Hightower, 30, became a first-time dad on July 16 and told teammates Devin and Jason McCourty on their “Double Coverage” podcast today, “I do not have any words to explain it. Asking what to look forward to and expect, it was that and after that some.”.
Nicknamed “Mr. February” by head coach Bill Belichick since of his flair for providing big plays in Super Bowls, Hightower was set to enter his ninth NFL season– all with the Patriots.
A three-time Super Bowl champion and team captain, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Hightower generally calls the defensive signals and was going to be relied upon as much as ever this season after the free-agency departures of linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins.
This was the last year of Hightowers agreement, and he was set up to make a base wage of $8 million. The agreement will now toll to the 2021 season.
Inside LB.
46%.
* By pre-snap position– ESPN Stats & & Information.
Free security.
1%.
Def Tackle.
20%.
Cornerback.
3%.
Pct. of Snaps *.
New England Patriots linebacker Dont a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung are amongst the beginners pulling out of the 2020 season, league sources informed ESPN on Tuesday.
Running back Brandon Bolden also is preparing to opt out of the season, a source informed ESPN. Beginning offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, fullback Danny Vitale and reserve offensive lineman Najee Toran previously decided to pull out for the Patriots.
According to an agreement authorized by both the league and the NFL Players Association, gamers thought about high danger for COVID-19 can make $350,000 and an accrued NFL season if they choose to opt out. Players without threat can make $150,000 for pulling out.
Outdoors pound.
30%.
1 RelatedHightowers structure every year raises money for the American Diabetes Association, which has significant meaning to him as his mother, LTanya, was identified with Type 2 diabetes. Hightower keeps a picture of his mother at his locker.
Chung had consented to a two-year extension with the Patriots in May that consisted of a $2 million signing bonus offer and base pay of $1.1 million. While the relocation was made to assist the group produce salary-cap area, it likewise supplied Chung with up-front money and showed his status as a lock to be on the roster, most likely starting alongside Devin McCourty.
Chung, 32, was set to enter his 12th NFL season, 11 of which hes invested with the Patriots. His capability to play closer to the line of scrimmage and compare with opposing tight ends provided Belichick with the flexibility he often wishes for.
Comparable to Hightower, Chung spoke earlier today about expecting his second kid.
On the field, his space might develop a fast track for novice Kyle Dugger, the teams second-round choice, to play more. If he decides to play, free-agent signee Adrian Phillips could also project to that role.
Bolden, 30, was set to enter his ninth NFL season and eighth in New England. He is a core special-teams gamer who supplies important depth on offense.
Bolden was set to make $1.3 million in base pay in 2020, which was the final year of his contract. That will toll to 2021.
Sports radio WEEI in Boston initially reported Boldens choice.
