Patriots retain Dont’a Hightower, leaving the Steelers still searching for answers

The Pittsburgh Steelers offseason, and more importantly free agency period, has been tumultuous. They have hosted a trio of players who have visited, and then left for another destination. The latest free agent to toy with the Steel City was none other than linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who has reportedly decided to return to the New England Patriots in 2017.

The news of Hightower returning to New England shouldn’t shock many who took an honest look at the situation, but it now leaves the Steelers searching for answers on the defensive side of the ball.

On the day the offense added yet another weapon to their arsenal in Justin Hunter, the defense is ridiculously thin at several positions. One of those positions is at linebacker, and with the team unable to sign Hightower, they are now facing a position where they have little to no cushion at all four linebacker positions. Throw in the team’s desire to add a veteran cornerback to their roster, and you have plenty of question marks on the defensive side of the ball.

With Hightower back with the Super Bowl champions, the Steelers will have to find another avenue to add depth, likely focusing on the 2017 NFL Draft.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news surrounding the black and gold.