A New England Patriots linebacker room that saw Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts exit in free agency will now enter 2020 without a constant in Dont’a Hightower.
But Ja’Whaun Bentley, entering his third NFL season, is in line to fill part of the gap that opened when the perennial Patriots captain opted out due to coronavirus concerns.
“We’re always talking,” Bentley said of Hightower during his video conference from Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. “He’s definitely on my list of people to talk to, whether it be about leadership or anything.