The Patriots have pulled the trigger on one of their easiest offseason decisions.
They have picked up linebacker Dont'a Hightower's fifth-year option for the 2016 season, according to a source. The option is worth $7.751 million that is guaranteed for injury now but will be fully guaranteed at the start of the 2016 league year.
All teams have until Sunday to exercise the fifth-year options for 2012 first-round draft picks. At this point, it's unclear if the Patriots have made a decision on Chandler Jones' option, which would be worth $7.799 million.
Hightower, who was the 25th pick out of Alabama in the 2012 draft, has been a solid defensive contributor through his first three seasons with the Patriots, but he emerged as a star during the Pats' Super Bowl run.