Dont'a Hightower Rumors: Free-Agent LB Drawing Interest from Titans, Patriots

Free-agent linebacker Dont'a Hightower continues to survey his options amid interest from the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans.

Clint Lamb‏ of USA Today reported Friday the Titans were the apparent front-runners in the Hightower sweepstakes, but Jason Wolf‏ of the Tennessean stated there's "no deal imminent." Ian Rapoport of NFL Network previously noted the Patriots were still in contact as of Thursday.

Hightower racked up 65 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble across 13 games for the Patriots in 2016. He added 13 tackles during the team's journey through the playoffs en route to the Super Bowl LI triumph.

The 26-year-old Alabama product provided a key play of the Pats' comeback against the Atlanta Falcons. He strip-sacked Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan with New England down 28-12 midway through the fourth quarter. Tom Brady and Co. scored five plays later to make it 28-20.

In all, he's tallied 372 combined tackles, 17 sacks, 12 passes defended and three fumble recoveries in 67 regular-season games since the Patriots took him in the first round of the 2012 draft.

Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the best free agents available heading into Friday after the market officially opened Thursday:

Hightower explained his mindset heading into the offseason during a February appearance on the Know Them from Adam podcast with ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t AL.com's Mark Inabinett).

"I'm sure it will be a journey, a rough and rocky one, but I'm looking forward to it," he said. "I've had five good years, and I'm looking forward to what's coming my way."

Hightower, a two-time Super Bowl champion and 2016 Pro Bowl selection, could garner more interest outside of the Patriots and Titans with the initial free-agent frenzy complete.

The New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts are among the other teams who could use a linebacker upgrade.