Dont’a Hightower took a look at a new home for the 2017 NFL season, but in the end, he will remain a member of the New England Patriots.
The New England Patriots will have their best defensive player back in 2017, as Dont’a Hightower signed back on with the Pats for the next four NFL seasons. The 27-year old has played a huge role in what the Pats do defensively, and he was paid handsomely for that on Wednesday. Hightower signed a four-year deal worth $43.5 million, with $19 million of that money guaranteed. Hightower had also visited the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers this free agency period.
Staying with the New York Jets, former star cornerback Darrelle Revis had a good day on Wednesday. A judge dismissed the five criminal charges against Revis, clearing him of any wrongdoing in an incident that happened on Feb. 12. Revis was released by the Jets earlier this month, and while the team still owes him $6 million, his release likely does not signal the end of his NFL career.
Dak Prescott won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year this past season, after throwing for 23 touchdowns against four interceptions. For his efforts, Prescott was awarded performance-based pay for last season, adding over $353,000 to his total compensation. Prescott only earned $450,000 as a rookie last season, so the performance pay is certainly a nice paycheck for the standout quarterback.
After losing Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Patterson this free agency period, the Minnesota Vikings locked up one of their own wide receivers on Wednesday. The Vikings signed Adam Thielen to a three-year deal, which includes $11 million in guaranteed money. The full contract has a max number of $27 million, with a base pay of $17 million. Thielen led the Vikings in receiving last season, as the undrafted player from Minnesota State University, Mankato racked up 967 yards.
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Finally, Austin Seferian-Jenkins just cannot seem to stay out of trouble. After being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2016 season after his arrest for suspicion of misdemeanor DUI, the big tight end will miss time in 2017 due to a suspension. Seferian-Jenkins was suspended for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse, which is just another sad chapter in his NFL career.