Steelers: 3 free agents Brian Flores can help poach for Pittsburgh

Dont’a Hightower may leave the New England Patriots to play for Brian Flores

Prior to being named the head coach in Miami, Flores was a long-time defensive coach on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England. His coaching wizardry over Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53 was a big reason why he was able to get the Miami job in the first place. Flores’ star linebacker during that point of his coaching career was none other than Dont’a Hightower.

As with White, Hightower is on the wrong side of 30. Though he could also be a career Patriot, keep in mind that he was one of the many New England players who opted out of the 2020 NFL season. This was the year after Hightower earned his second Pro Bowl nod. He may have only played for Belichick since college, but he too could be interested in a change of scenery in 2022.

Though Hightower is no longer the same explosive playmaker he was for the Patriots and at Alabama before that, he has long been an incredibly smart and instinctive player. Thus, he would fit right into the middle of the Steelers defense. With that side of the ball having to carry Pittsburgh until Ben Roethlisberger’s successor has been established, this is a nice landing spot.

Putting Hightower next to Devin Bush and alongside T.J. Watt could have this defense humming.