Ouch…the Patriots got even worse news for the 2020 NFL season when they learned that LB Dont’a Hightower, one of the most important members of the Patriots defense has decided to opt-out of the upcoming season. He joins FB Danny Vitale, OL Marcus Cannon, and OL Najee Toran who opted out yesterday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report this latest development as the league and players are struggling to find the safest way to protect the players and their families. Hightower’s wife gave birth to their first child on July 16.
With the departures, this spring of Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins at the linebacker position, the Patriots in 2020 were in the position of relying on the veteran presence of Hightower even more.