Dec 21, 2019; New England Patriots outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) smiles as he leaves the field during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.  Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Three key players to return to Patriots in 2021 after opting out last season

The New England Patriots had an NFL-high eight players opt out of the 2020 season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At least some of those players are expected to return in 2021. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, defensive stalwarts Dont'a Hightower, Patrick Chung and Marcus Cannon are planning to return to the Patriots for the upcoming season.

Hightower has a cap hit of $12.4 million, Cannon $9.6 million and Chung $5.1 million. 

Hightower has been a key contributor to the Patriots defense since being drafted by the team in 2012. During the 2019 campaign, he finished with 5.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, 71 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 13 quarterback hits. 

The same can be said for Chung, who has spent 10 of his 11 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots. The 33-year-old finished the 2019 season with 51 tackles and one tackle for a loss. 

Cannon has also been a key player for the Patriots, starting every game he's played since the 2016 season. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Welcome to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark sets infamous record in debut
Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to blowout win in Game 5 vs. Pacers
Nikola Jokic torches DPOY to lead Nuggets past Wolves in Game 5
Oilers use late heroics to tie Canucks at two games each
Watch: Astros pitcher ejected after foreign substance check
Kirk Cousins not angry with Falcons because winning is 'hard enough'
Bronny James has surprising comments on potentially teaming up with LeBron
Bills add two-time Super Bowl champ to new-look WR room
Brewers lose team-leading home run hitter to injured list
Sandy Alderson denies involvement in Mets, Billy Eppler IL controversy
Twins reliever shut down for six weeks with patellar tendon tear
Chris Finch throws shade at Nuggets star over Rudy Gobert’s fine
Cardinals head coach warns not to bet against Kyler Murray
Details emerge on Jason Kelce’s role at ESPN
Rangers defenseman wins Mark Messier Leadership Award
Ex-NFL head coach takes over as Arena Football League commish
Yankees young stud takes major step in return from injury
See top groupings for Rounds 1 and 2 at 2024 PGA Championship
Former Bruins winger dead at 75
Super Bowl-winning safety plans to retire after 2024 season