Dont'a Hightower and Stephon Gilmore -- two of the Patriots' best defensive players have not been spotted at any of the OTAs this offseason -- so it's worth checking in on their statues for the 2021 season.
NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran was asked about both players during his appearance on Gresh & Keefe Tuesday.
Hightower opted out of last season, but all indications are he plans on returning for 2021.
“I have not been disabused of that notion. I think his intention is to fully come back," Curran said.
Meanwhile, Gilmore is scheduled to make $7 million in 2021 and as one of the better cornerbacks in the league, may want a new deal.
“Look, some guys have horrible timing with contracts," Curran said. "Julian Edelman had horrible timing throughout his career with his contracts coming off [subpar years]. Some guys have it great. Danny Amendola signed a five and $25 [million deal] when Wes Welker left, which was a lot. And I think that was more than Julian ever signed for. This is a situation, look, Byron Jones, Xavien Howard, Darius Slay, they all make between $17 and $20 million in salary. Steph Gilmore is getting $7 million this year, but you have to look at what the average annual value of Steph’s contract — five years and $65 [million], plus they had given him a $5 million raise last year. So, it was basically five and $70 [million]. He wants to be here. But if it’s a matter of pride or injustice, I have a harder time getting my mind around it.
"But, you have a Super Bowl caliber team and without a shutdown corner of which Steph lives in that category, you might not be able to get to the same level. They need him.”
The Patriots will have mandatory minicamp next week and it will be interesting to see if any of these two players show up.