Dont'a Hightower Rumored to Decide Wednesday Between Patriots, Jets, Steelers

Linebacker Dont'a Hightower is reportedly expected to choose between signing with the New England Patriots, New York Jets or Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the news and added that sources believe Hightower will re-sign with the Pats.  

Hightower visited both the Steelers and Jets, but NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported Tuesday that Pittsburgh planned on pulling its offer once he left without signing a contract.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweeted on March 12 that other teams believed Hightower would re-sign with the Patriots for $10 million per season. However, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported the Jets have offered him more than $12 million a season.

Despite that offer, Mike Silver of NFL Network reported the Jets have been out of the running since Hightower left his visit with the team.

The 27-year-old 2012 first-round pick out of Alabama was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2016, as he registered 65 tackles to go with 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

Durability has been an issue for Hightower, though, as he has appeared in all 16 games just once. He has missed at least three contests in each of the past three years.

Despite that, his presence is key for a New England team that traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns during the 2016 campaign.

Losing Hightower would likely elevate Kyle Van Noy into a starting role.