Dont’a Hightower Is The Latest Patriots Star To Opt Out Of The 2020 Season
The bad news keeps coming for Patriots fans. We are now losing a big star on defense for the season
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that linebacker Dont’a Hightower has also opted out. Hightower is the 4th Patriots player to opt out, including tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale and guard Najee Toran.
Hightower, who became a father for the first time this month, was set to make a base salary of $8 million this season. He will receive a $150,000 stipend and his contract will toll to the 2021 season. This will leave the Patriots with 24 million in cap space.
This leaves the Patriots with a very young linebacker core of Brandon Copeland, Ja’whaun Bentley, Shilique Calhoun, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.
Bill Belichick realizing he can afford Jadeveon Clowney now! #NewEnglandPatriots pic.twitter.com/pI4SdmkvDk
— Wicked Boston (@WickedBoston_) July 28, 2020
BREAKING: Linebacker Dont’a Hightower is reportedly opting out of the 2020 season. His fiancé just had a baby earlier this month.
RB Brandon Bolden, Marcus Cannon, Danny Vitale & Najee Toran are also opting out. #7news pic.twitter.com/6Bb6bfjYtR
— Amaka Ubaka (@AmakaUbakaTV) July 28, 2020
Patriots’ three-time Super-Bowl champion and Pro-Bowl ILB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources tell ESPN.
Hightower is scheduled to make $8 million in base salary. He had a baby July 16.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020
Freeman blocking Hightower like Matt Ryan owes him money … #Ole … pic.twitter.com/mp1HnVeLkP
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) February 6, 2017