According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the New England Patriots and first-round selection Dont'a Hightower have agreed to a four-year deal. While terms of the deal haven't been released yet, there is a team option for a fifth year. That option must be picked up following his third year with the team.
Hightower, 22, was selected with the No. 25 overall selection in the 2012 Draft by the New England Patriots as a linebacker out of the University of Alabama. Hightower played three seasons in Nick Saban's defense--winning two National Titles and served as a team captain. He had 85 tackles (40 solo), 11 sacks and in interception during his junior year at Alabama.
Bill Belichick liked what he saw in Hightower, and even went out of his way to trade up for him. Something we've never seen him do in a draft. He brings versatility to the Patriots defense as either an inside or outside linebacker in Saban's 3-4 defense. He's had and the most success as a 3-4 outside linebacker--something we all think he'll become in New England.
With Hightower now signed, sealed and delivered, the Patriots have signed each and every one of their draft picks. Yay! No rookie holdouts!