Wow, this is a big one.
According to a report from Adam Schefter, New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl LB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season.
Hightower, who is the fourth Patriots player to announce he is opting out, is scheduled to make $8 million in 2020.
As noted by Adam Schefter, Hightower has a new baby that was born on July 16.
Hightower becomes the fourth Patriots player to do so as fullback Danny Vitale, offensive guard Najee Toran, and right tackle Marcus Cannon have also decided to opt-out.
Patriots’ three-time Super-Bowl champion and Pro-Bowl ILB Dont’a Hightower is opting out of the 2020 season, league sources tell ESPN.
Hightower is scheduled to make $8 million in base salary. He had a baby July 16.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2020
From Earlier:
According to a report from the Boston Herald, New England Patriots starting RT Marcus Cannon had decided to opt-out of the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19.
Cannon overcame Non-Hodgkins’ lymphoma after being diagnosed shortly before his rookie season in the league.
This is a huge blow for the Patriots as has been one of the Patriots’ most consistent players over the past decade or so.
If Cannon does indeed opt-out, he will become the third Patriots player to do so as fullback Danny Vitale and offensive guard Najee Toran also opted out on Monday.
From Boston Herald:
According to a source, Cannon has seriously considered opting out in recent days, often discussing the possibility with his family. Along with the Patriots’ other veterans, Cannon was expected to report to Gillette Stadium on Tuesday for COVID-19 testing. However, as of Monday night, Cannon now plans on missing the season all together.
The 32-year-old would have played his 10th season starting this September. As a rookie, Cannon overcame Non-Hodgkins’ lymphoma before launching a lengthy pro career. He was diagnosed shortly before being selected in the fifth round of 2011 draft out of TCU.
Since then, Cannon’s proven to be a steady starter on the Pats’ offensive line. He started 15 games last year, missing one due to a shoulder injury. His best season came in 2016, when he earned an All-Pro nod.
Cannon is expected to become the third Patriot to opt out of the 2020 season, following fullback Danny Vitale and offensive guard Najee Toran earlier on Mo
