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Patriots, Hightower finalize contract

Print | Comments () Posted by Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff July 18, 2012 02:20 PM

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By Shalise Manza Young, Globe Staff

With the Patriots' rookies set to start training camp next Thursday, the team today came to terms with its final remaining unsigned draft pick: Dont'a Hightower.

Via ProFootballTalk.com and ESPN, the linebacker from Alabama is now under contract.

Hightower was the second of the Pats' two first-round picks, taken 25th overall.

UPDATE: Hightower has essentially confirmed the signing, posting on his Twitter account, "Guess the cats out of the bag lol #PatriotsNation wants to [thank] everyone who has helped me reach my dream #hightowerclan"

With the new slotting system for rookie deals in place, with first-rounders getting four-year deals with a team option for a fifth year, it is unknown at this point why it took so long for Hightower's deal to get done.

Chandler Jones, New England's top pick, was signed on May 23.