While Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower has had his ups and downs, there's no denying that when the Patriots have needed a big play in a big spot, Hightower has been there.
Whether it was saving Super Bowl XLIX against the Seahawks by stopping running back Marshawn Lynch at the goal line with his shoulder with seconds left, to strip sacking Matt Ryan to get the Patriots the ball back in Super Bowl LI, to bringing the lumber against the quarterback in Super Bowl LIII, Hightower has been a great Patriot.
But going into the 2019 season, Hightower's cap number is nearly $11 million.
With big money free agents in play like Trey Flowers, Trent Brown, and others, as well as the fact that injuries have been an issue for Hightower in the last few years, including missing the balance of the 2017 season, Hightower's price tag might be a concern for the Patriots.
According to Doug Kyed of NESN, Hightower is not willing to take a pay cut:
With the 2019 NFL draft approaching, and standout rookie linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley returning from injured reserve, the Patriots will have decisions to make in assembling their 2019 roster.
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