Later today, the 2017 NFL league year and free agency will officially begin. At that point the New England Patriots are expected to announce one major signing: Free agency cornerback and former member of the Buffalo Bills Stephon Gilmore will reportedly join the world champions on what seems to become a multi-million dollar contract.
Gilmore could not be the only big splash made by New England today. Pro Bowl linebacker and 2016 team captain Dont’a Hightower could also return. And according to ESPN’s Ed Werder, the price tag will be a notch below what Gilmore might get from the Patriots:
#Titans have interest in LB Dont'a Hightower _ who built huge home in Nashville _ but at $10-$13M he's out of price range now. Not over yet
The Tennessee Titans being among the Patriots’ competitors when it comes to signing Hightower creates an interesting dynamic. The 26-year old is a Lewisburg, Tennessee native and was drafted while the Titans’ general manager – Jon Robinson – was still working as New England’s director of college scouting.
Furthermore, both teams are in good financial shape. Even after the expected signing of Gilmore, the Patriots could afford paying Hightower the price range Werder expects him to be in. The question is whether or not the team feels that he is worth that kind of investment.