For years the New England Patriots’ linebacker group was headed by the likes of Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins. However, none of them are currently on the roster: Hightower and Collins remain unsigned in free agency, with Van Noy having been released earlier this offseason and since joining the Los Angeles Chargers.
While Hightower returning could still happen — the team reportedly seems to be interested in bringing him back if he wants to continue his career — the youth movement is still underway. The young players at the position are fully aware of that.