According to the Herald's Jeff Howe, the Patriots have picked up the fifth year of linebacker Dont'a Hightower's contract. First round picks have a fifth year option built into their rookie deals and teams have until May 3rd to exercise these options.
The Patriots have exercised Dont'a Hightower's fifth-year option for 2016, according to a source.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 30, 2015
Hightower's option for '16 is worth $7.751M. It's guaranteed for injury now and will be fully guaranteed at the start of the league year.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 30, 2015
Hightower was the 25th overall selection of the 2012 NFL Draft.