Dont'a Hightower
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots 1/2/2022

Jan. 02, 2022 12:31 PM EST

New England Patriots fan Vincent Farricielli, of Guilford, Conn., pumps iron while tailgating prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots 12/26/2021

Dec. 26, 2021 11:57 AM EST

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes against the Houston Texans in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Banged-up Titans look to keep streak alive against Patriots

By Kyle Hightower Nov. 26, 2021 12:51 PM EST

New England Patriots fans cheer before the first half of an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons 11/18/2021

Nov. 18, 2021 07:47 PM EST

New England Patriots wide receiver Gunner Olszewski runs against the Carolina Panthersduring the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers 11/7/2021

Nov. 07, 2021 01:39 PM EST

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 file photo, Detroit Lions outside linebacker Jamie Collins (8) reacts to recovering a San Francisco 49ers fumble In the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit. The Detroit Lions released veteran linebacker Jamie Collins, a week after acknowledging they were exploring options to trade him. Detroit announced the move Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 two days after leaving him inactive against the Baltimore Ravens.(AP Photo/Lon Horwedel, File)
Linebacker Jamie Collins returning for 3rd stint with Pats

Oct. 06, 2021 02:28 PM EDT

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson pushes away Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Jets impressed by Wilson's poise, but want to limit pressure

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Sep. 16, 2021 06:43 PM EDT

FILE — New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, in this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, file photo, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)
Patriots cut Cam Newton, clearing way for Mac Jones to start

By Kyle Hightower Aug. 31, 2021 11:17 AM EDT

FILE - New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung pulls on a glove while warming up during an NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., in this Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, file photo. More than half of the 67 NFL players who opted out of the 2020 season amid the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer with the same team and almost two dozen aren't on anyone's roster. The Patriots had a league-high eight players opt out, including safety Patrick Chung and fullback Dan Vitale, both of whom retired this year along with two other opt outs: Cardinals O-lineman Marcus Gilbert and Panthers linebacker Jordan Mack. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Half the players who opted out last year no longer with team

By Arnie Stapleton Jul. 30, 2021 03:55 PM EDT

Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore holds a football as he appears on the Red Carpet at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 29, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer, Pool)
Patriots trade up in 2nd round, select Barmore from Alabama

By Ken Powtak Apr. 30, 2021 08:17 PM EDT

FILE - Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) warms up before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, file photo. The Miami Dolphins told linebacker Kyle Van Noy he will be released, two people familiar with the discussion confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The people confirmed the disclosure to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not commented.(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Patriots trade Izzo to Houston, re-sign Van Noy

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 18, 2021 01:13 PM EDT

Patriots' Chung retires after 11 seasons, 3 Super Bowl rings

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 18, 2021 11:38 AM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — Saying “it's time to start a new life,” New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung announced Thursday he is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons...

FILE - In this Dec. 20, 2020, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Jalen Mills (21) walks off the field at half time during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. A person familiar with the deal says Mills is signing with the New England Patriots for four years and $24 million. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart, File)
Pats focus on defense at unofficial start of free agency

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 15, 2021 05:52 PM EDT

New England Patriots defensive lineman Chase Winovich runs a drill during an NFL football training camp practice, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, Pool)
Abram, Simmons among 2nd-year players poised for breakouts

By Josh Dubow Aug. 24, 2020 12:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Green Bay Packers nose tackle Kenny Clark (97) watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark admits he's surprised at how many players are passing on 2020. Although he is not considering it, he understands why the number of NFL opts outs surpasses the total for Major League Baseball, the NHL and NBA combined. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
On Football: Opt outs should not have doubts or a deadline

By Barry Wilner Aug. 03, 2020 05:07 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 21, 2019, file photo, New York Jets inside linebacker C.J. Mosley warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in East Rutherford, N.J. Mosley has chosen to opt out for the NFL season because of family health concerns, two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
AP sources: Jets LB C.J. Mosley opting out of NFL season

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Aug. 01, 2020 02:59 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 16, 2016, file photo, Denver Broncos nose tackle Kyle Peko (90) takes part in drills during the team's NFL football training camp in Englewood, Colo. Peko is opting out of the season because of the coronavirus. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
On Football: NFL opt outs more prevalent than many expected

By Barry Wilner Jul. 29, 2020 03:22 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 file photo, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) follows a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. Defensive end Joey Bosa has agreed to a six-year, $135 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple people familiar with the decision. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday, July 28, 2020 because the contract has not been finalized.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
NFL training camps opening with eye on baseball, babysitting

By Barry Wilner Jul. 28, 2020 05:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) speaks with members of the media following an NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass. The New England Patriots extended safety Devin McCourty's contract Sunday, March 15, 2020. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Post-Brady Patriots cut costs as free agents depart

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 18, 2020 06:37 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Vikings pick up 5 additions to Pro Bowl, including Cousins

By Dave Campbell Jan. 21, 2020 03:53 PM EST