Dont’a Hightower rumors: Patriots remain in contact

The New England Patriots are trying to retain star linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who stands to cash in as one of the highest-paid players at his position.

After weeks of silence, the Patriots and inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower are apparently making some sort of progress … maybe. New England has ample cap space and has been uncharacteristically active in the early stages of free agency, splurging on corner Stephon Gilmore. Then, rumors broke that the Patriots were talking about sending Malcolm Butler to the New Orleans Saints in return for wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

Now, Hightower might be the next item on the list. There is a real chance that New England would have to make him the highest-paid inside linebacker in league history, due to a combination of rising salary caps and a rare talent.

The Patriots traded away Jamie Collins midseason to the Cleveland Browns, likely because they believed Hightower would be retained. Losing both would be a brutal blow to the interior of the defense, perhaps something Bill Belichick would pay handsomely to avoid.

Should Hightower get out of New England, look for the Tennessee Titans to make a strong play. Tennessee has more than $60 million in cap space and currently has needs across the defensive roster. Hightower would be a great fit in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 scheme.

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As for New England, Hightower remains the priority but there are other options out there. Zach Brown could be a nice fit in the Belichick scheme, coming over from the Buffalo Bills.