The New England Patriots saw a league-high eight of their plays exercise the Coronavirus opt-out clause last summer, but only a fraction of them will be back with the team in 2021. Among them is linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who made his practice debut last week and also is a full participant during this week’s mandatory minicamp.
His return was a confirmation that he would indeed intend to play after missing the entirety of last season — a topic he also touched on during a media conference call on Tuesday.
“I wouldn’t be out here doing this for free,” Hightower said.