Dont’a Hightower apparently is really trying to get better this spring.
The usually conversational linebacker fielded 20 questions Thursday after the New England Patriots’ first organized team activities session open to the media concluded and said the word “better” 19 times.
Hightower, of course, was asked about the possibility of a contract extension. He’s making $7.751 million in 2016 after the Patriots picked up the fifth-year option included in his rookie contract. The Patriots likely could lower Hightower’s salary-cap figure if they agreed to terms on a new deal.
“Ain’t got nothing to do with none of that,” Hightower said. “I’m just out here trying to get better with my teammates.”
When pressed that he does actually have something to do with signing a contract extension, Hightower went back to his standard response.
“That might be it, but there’s a time and place for everything,” Hightower said. “Right now, I’m just out here trying to get better.”
Many of the Patriots’ star defenders are set to become free agents in 2017. Beyond Hightower, lineabacker Jamie Collins, defensive ends Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich, and cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan are entering the last year of their contracts. The Patriots also signed defensive end Chris Long and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton to one-year deals over the offseason.
It would be best for all parties if the Patriots and Hightower agreed to a deal before the 2016 season, but after seeing how much money was thrown around in free agency this spring, no one could blame the linebacker for waiting.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
