The New England Patriots are likely bidding against the Tennessee Titans for the services of LB Dont’a Hightower, barring a surprise entry by a team with a lot of cap space.
According to one of the best Titans beat writers, “it would be wise to tamp down expectations of Dont'a Hightower to the Titans.” And according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the Patriots are “still very interested in bringing the LB back.”
Patriots have been keeping close tabs on Dont'a Hightower situation. Still very interested in bringing the LB back
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 11, 2017
So the Patriots might be considered the front runner to retain Hightower, although the Titans currently have more cap space than the Patriots. Other teams, like the Miami Dolphins, dropped out of the running for Hightower and signed alternatives like LB Lawrence Timmons.
Then there are teams like the New Orleans Saints, which can’t even get a cup of coffee with Hightower, according to Hightower’s former Alabama teammate and current Saints RB Mark Ingram:
I talked to him and said he had visit planned w saints but ☕️ https://t.co/SXgheOulQt
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) March 11, 2017
Don't get excited i believe meeting got cancelled https://t.co/PavbTi69yB
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) March 11, 2017
Look for Hightower to make a decision in the next day or two, and don’t be surprised if he ultimately signs back with the Patriots- barring a big push from the Titans.