Hightower was a staple of the Patriotsâ?? defense for a decade playing anywhere in the front seven the team needed. The two-time Pro Bowler made an immediate impact on the team after being drafted 25th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. While he has three rings, most will remember him for his game changing sack-fumble on Matt Ryan before the Patriots went on to win Super Bowl LI. Hightower had been out on football since his last contract with the Patriots was up after the 2021 season and now he makes it official. 

Letting Hightower walk is expected for a Patriots team that rarely re-signs late stage veterans. Hightower's production dipped in 2021, finishing with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 games. The 32-year-old opted out of 2020 and was linked to retirement this offseason but is expected to continue his career. The Steelers, who hired Brian Flores as a senior assistant, could be a fit if the Patriots move on from Hightower.

Hightower was ruled out earlier in the week with a knee injury. The issue isn't expected to cost him any time during the playoffs. He has 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks this year.

Hightower will miss Sunday's game but is expected to be ready for the playoffs. After opting out of 2020, Hightower closes the regular season with 64 tackles and 1.5 sacks while playing 67% of the Patriots' defensive snaps.