Amid the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty that lies ahead with a possible upcoming NFL season, so far five New England Patriots players have opted out for the 2020 campaign according to reports from the Patriots and the league.
Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, and reserve offensive lineman Najee Toran are all on that list of players that will not be competing if a 2020 season does occur. Cannon will receive a $350,000 salary because of health where he is at higher risk as a cancer survivor, while the NFL offers $150,000 stipend salaries for all other players that do opt out that are considered lower risk of getting COVID-19.
Hightower, who has played seven full seasons with New England, had 71 total tackles in 15 games last season with 5.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Bolden who is an eight year veteran, and has played seven seasons in Foxborough and one in Miami, ran for 68 yards on 15 carries with three touchdowns in a limited role last season. Cannon has played nine seasons all with the Pats, started 15 games in 2019 protecting Tom Brady in his final year as the quarterback. Cannon has started 69 games since 2011. Vitale, who was acquired from Green Bay, has appeared in 44 games since 2016 spending two years with Cleveland and two with the Packers and has started in 13 career NFL games. Mostly used as a blocker, Vitale did catch seven passes for 97 yards from Aaron Rodgers in 2019, but does not have any career touchdowns. Toran would of possibly entered his first season on the Patriots active roster. The 6 foot 2, 305 pound offensive lineman who played at UCLA, was signed to the practice squad on September 2, 2019. He was originally signed by San Francisco as a rookie free agent on May 1, 2018 but hasn’t appeared in an NFL game. Also later on Tuesday morning, strong safety Patrick Chung also opted out making it now a list of six. Chung has played 11 NFL seasons, 10 with New England. In 2019 he started 12 games and had 51 total tackles. Overall he has started 122 games (153 total) and has 11 interceptions, one touchdown, and 778 tackles.
