6 free agents that may follow Brian Flores to the Steelers
By Andrew Falce
Steelers may sign Hightower
The name that everyone has seemingly thrown out, Dont’a Hightower will likely be a hot name linked to the Steelers this offseason. The links are just far too great to ignore. The team almost selected him in 2012 before they opted to draft David DeCastro. Then, when he became a free agent, the team seemingly had a deal on the table with him before he returned to the Patriots. 2020 may finally be the year Pittsburgh gets the guy they have wanted for so long.
Flores was the defensive coordinator for the Patriots and worked extensively with Hightower through some of his more productive years. While he is beginning to slow down, Hightower can still function as a capable tackler and run defender on this defense. He and Bush can play in base defense and in nickel before Hightower comes off in dime defense. He is older than what they typically want in a veteran, but the team showed the right fit can cause them to overlook that in Melvin Ingram.
While he wouldn’t be a full-time starter nor would he be as big of an addition as Jackson, Hightower will be one of the easiest names to link to this team this offseason. His contract, while sizeable, won’t break the bank at his age. He would have an instant role and would be reunited with his former coordinator. This signing isn’t set in stone yet, but it won’t be surprising if this move is announced assuming Hightower is allowed to hit free agency.
Must Read. 4 reasons to be optimistic about Steelers Chase Claypool. light
The Steelers made a great move adding Flores to this coaching staff. He has a proven track record as a great defensive coordinator and exceeded expectations with the Dolphins as their head coach. Now, some of his former players may want to rejoin Flores in Pittsburgh. These six potential free agents could make their way to the Steelers as they will want to rejoin their former coach.