Mr. February is returning to Foxborough.
Dont’a Hightower, who earned that nickname from Bill Belichick for his penchant for making momentous plays in Super Bowls, is one of three veterans returning to the Patriots after opting out of last season, according to a report.
NFL Media is reporting that Hightower, a Pro Bowl linebacker, along with safety Patrick Chung and right tackle Marcus Cannon, will return after sitting out 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns.
Free agency hasn’t started, but the #Patriots are already getting some reinforcements. Their key opt-outs from 2020 — including LB Dont'a Hightower, S Patrick Chung, and OT Marcus Cannon — are planning to be back for 2021, sources say.