Dont'a Hightower

Dont'a Hightower signs 4-year, $43.5 million deal to stay with Patriots

The New England Patriots re-signed linebacker Dont'a Hightower to a four-year, $43.5 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

What It Means:

Hightower's new deal includes $19 million guaranteed. The New York Jets were reportedly offering the most money, but Hightower was always expected to return to New England. The 27-year-old ranked as the fifth-best inside linebacker out of 59 qualifiers in 2016, according to Pro Football Focus. He excelled as a pass rusher, against the run and in coverage.

The Patriots' defense ranked 11th in the league by opponent-adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play last season. The Jets were 23rd.