Dont'a Hightower -- a 3-time Super Bowl champion and one of the leaders of the Patriots' defense -- has also chosen to sit out this season.
Hightower, according to NFL Network's Michael Giardi, just had a baby this month ... and his mom also has type 2 diabetes.
"Me and my fiancée are just more concerned with the health of our family than football," Hightower said in a statement to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "especially the new addition to our family."
The opt-out is a big blow for the Pats, Hightower recorded 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks for New England last season ... but he's also now one of FIVE Patriots choosing to forego the season.
Pats running back Brandon Bolden and offensive linemen Najee Toran and Marcus Cannon have also joined Hightower and fullback Danny Vitale in sitting out 2020.
There could be more on the way as well ... players still have until the end of this week to make opt-out decisions. [Reply]
I'd love to see the Pats dynasty collapse. But I still get nervous that they'll find a way to tank just enough for Trevor Lawrence. Want them to suck, but not too much. [Reply]
Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501:
I'd love to see the Pats dynasty collapse. But I still get nervous that they'll find a way to tank just enough for Trevor Lawrence. Want them to suck, but not too much.
I expect the Patriots with Newton (or a much better Stidham than we thought he he wins the job) to be one of the Top teams in the AFC. Losing Hightower is huge though, I'll have to knock them down a peg. But if you think they are going 3-13 you are out of your mind.
Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501:
I'd love to see the Pats dynasty collapse. But I still get nervous that they'll find a way to tank just enough for Trevor Lawrence. Want them to suck, but not too much.
Patriots will win their division this year, as always. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BWillie:
I expect the Patriots with Newton (or a much better Stidham than we thought he he wins the job) to be one of the Top teams in the AFC. Losing Hightower is huge though, I'll have to knock them down a peg. But if you think they are going 3-13 you are out of your mind.
They could sleep walk to 8-8.
Did they get any receivers? Last I checked Edelman was their best one still. To have a #3 or 4 slot receiver Like Edelman be your best receiving option definitely makes you a bottom dweller in this league. Cam doesn’t have the legs anymore to save their lack of offensive weapons. 8-8 is a possibility because they’re in the AFC east, but no one outside the northeast considers them an AFC contender anymore. [Reply]
Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501:
I'd love to see the Pats dynasty collapse. But I still get nervous that they'll find a way to tank just enough for Trevor Lawrence. Want them to suck, but not too much.
