Cornerback Malcolm Butler is reportedly planning a push for a new contract with the Patriots and he’s not the only member of the defense who will be dealing with issues on that front in the near future.
Linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower are heading into the final year of their contracts, leaving the Patriots with some work to do to keep everyone on hand beyond the 2016 season. For now, though, Hightower says that he’s only focusing on on-field matters.
“I don’t have anything to do with any of that,” Hightower said, via the Providence Journal. “I’m just out here trying to get better with my teammates.”
Reporters pointed out to Hightower that he does have something to do with whether he remains with the Patriots, which he conceded before adding that “there’s a time and place for everything” and repeated that this is the time to get better.
The only real negative about Hightower’s last two seasons have been injuries that kept him from playing in eight games, but his contributions when healthy have made him an integral defensive piece in New England. That would make it a surprise if a deal doesn’t get worked out when the appropriate time and place present themselves.
