The New England Patriots have activated from ILB Dont’a Hightower from the PUP list on Tuesday, according to Mike Reiss.
Hightower, 27, is a former first-round pick of the Patriots back in 2012. He played out his rookie contract before the Patriots picked up his fifth-year option last year and testedย the open market as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this offseason.
Ultimately, Hightower returned to the Patriots on a four-year, $35.5 million contract that included $19 million guaranteed.
In 2016, Hightower appeared in 13 games for the Patriots and recorded 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, two pass defenses and a safety.ย Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 13 linebacker out of 87 qualifying players.
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