Let's talk about the Hightower situation.

[thecore762]

So apparently he didn't show up at the parade and he hasn't shown any indication from any of the recent interviews that he wants to be a patriot anymore dispite winning two super bowls with us. Some are saying he is still salty that we traded his buddy to Cleveland and that's the reason he mad.

At this time if we had a reliable LB that has been a number two under him for few years I'd say trade him to the Browns for a first round pick, but it would be very bad for us because replacing a linebacker is truly hard. I think we tag him this year, he will get a big check and see how Van Noy and Roberts and McLellin develop and draft a high prospect in the draft.

I see Hightower wanting big money because of the play in the SB.

I don't want to see him cripple our cap because we still need to sign Butler and Bennett...but I'd be okay to see Bennett go if we retain both Hightower and Butler then we should draft a stud Tight end.

 

[signbabybrady]

 

[farn]

Why would the Browns give up a first for Ht ? Makes no sense in light of a conditional 3rd for Collins.

HT might leave. NE will have a plan. I hope he sticks at least for one more year.

 

[Ring 6]

So apparently he didn't show up at the parade and he hasn't shown any indication from any of the recent interviews that he wants to be a patriot anymore dispite winning two super bowls with us. Some are saying he is still salty that we traded his buddy to Cleveland and that's the reason he mad.

At this time if we had a reliable LB that has been a number two under him for few years I'd say trade him to the Browns for a first round pick, but it would be very bad for us because replacing a linebacker is truly hard. I think we tag him this year, he will get a big check and see how Van Noy and Roberts and McLellin develop and draft a high prospect in the draft.

I see Hightower wanting big money because of the play in the SB.

I don't want to see him cripple our cap because we still need to sign Butler and Bennett...but I'd be okay to see Bennett go if we retain both Hightower and Butler then we should draft a stud Tight end.

Where did you hear he wasn't at the parade?

There was a PFT article today where he said he hopes the Jones and Collins trades mean the Patriots want to keep him.

 

[deroc5050]

So apparently he didn't show up at the parade and he hasn't shown any indication from any of the recent interviews that he wants to be a patriot anymore dispite winning two super bowls with us. Some are saying he is still salty that we traded his buddy to Cleveland and that's the reason he mad.

At this time if we had a reliable LB that has been a number two under him for few years I'd say trade him to the Browns for a first round pick, but it would be very bad for us because replacing a linebacker is truly hard. I think we tag him this year, he will get a big check and see how Van Noy and Roberts and McLellin develop and draft a high prospect in the draft.

I see Hightower wanting big money because of the play in the SB.

I don't want to see him cripple our cap because we still need to sign Butler and Bennett...but I'd be okay to see Bennett go if we retain both Hightower and Butler then we should draft a stud Tight end.

We have no idea why he chose not to go the Parade, I doubt its because of spite. And I wouldn't count on Bennett being here next year. He is going to want big money and quite frankly its hard to tell how good he is. He is certainly well below Gronk in terms of his performance.

If HT doesn't want to be a Patriot anymore, I am not sure if its a wise idea to franchise him.. but BB will know what to do.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

The Pats can keep him with the franchise tag and figure out what it wants to do next summer.

If they don't even tag him, it might just be both sides parting ways.

They have freeny, van noy, McClellin, and Roberts for next year. Not exactly a murderers row.

 

[BlueThunder]

Any decent FA LB's from other teams that might be available as a possible replacement for Donta?

 

[Love The Drake]

ingram?
Mcclain?
Any pro ready from the draft?

 

[Keyser Söze]

He said it was up in the air if he returns or now. Interviewed on ESPN

 

[Ring 6]

The Pats can keep him with the franchise tag and figure out what it wants to do next summer.

If they don't even tag him, it might just be both sides parting ways.

They have freeny, van noy, McClellin, and Roberts for next year. Not exactly a murderers row.

Frankly those dudes in our 4-2-5 defense would be decent.
The issue with Hightower is more that he can do so many things, and really be a weapon on defense.
We lose a lot of that versatility. We would have capable LBs but we wouldn't have the guy who can line up at DE and rush like a probowl DE, play in the middle and stuff the run like a pro bowl MLB, play coverage, get to the corner, blitz inside or outside, and be someone that you can put in many different roles to make your defense more varied and unpredictable.

Hightowers stripsack was a huge play. BB asked him to be Von Miller on that play. If he asked him to be Von Miller every play, there is no doubt he would have a dozen sacks. But he also does all of those other things, and that is where his real value is.

 

[DaBruinz]

Supposedly, the Pats offered Hightower more than $10M/year and he declined..

 

[ashley]

Ian Rapoport ?@RapSheet 5m5 minutes ago
Ian Rapoport Retweeted Jeff Howe

Hightower was offered more than $10M, like Collins, before the season. It didn’t take.


Jeff Howe?@jeffphowe
Jeff Howe Retweeted Andrew Hauck

For the last year, I've projected a fair deal for Hightower to be 5 years, $51M, approaching $20M guaranteed.


Let's get it done and get him back!!!

 

[fightingirish595]

Will be sad if HT leaves, But Theres a lot of good linebackers in the draft in my opinion

 

[Ring 6]

Can someone confirm where we heard Hightower skipped the parade?

 

[deroc5050]

Dont'a Hightower on returning to New England Patriots: 'That's up in the air'

 

[Gronkowski123]

Can someone confirm where we heard Hightower skipped the parade?

it was on NFL live...with wendi nix.

...so much for hightower taking a " hometown discount ". he wants to be the highest paid LB.

 

[HeadHunter]

Can someone confirm where we heard Hightower skipped the parade?

HT said it when he was asked about it on Sports Center. He did not elaborate either, just said he didn't "partake"

 

[Keyser Söze]

Could be posturing on his part but doesn't sound very good he'll be back

 

[HeadHunter]

The guy is such a good leader. Man I would hate to see him go. But he does appear to lack enthusiasm about staying...

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

Any decent FA LB's from other teams that might be available as a possible replacement for Donta?

It's pretty bare for linebackers. The best options would be

Zach brown (buffalo)
Kevin minter (Zona)
Manti teo (chargers)
Karlos dansby

And wildcard
Ro McClain

Dansby would be great if younger, McClain if his head is on straight. Big question mark anywhere else if you need a starter.