The New England Patriots have informed Dont'a Hightower that they won't use their franchise tag on him, according to a source.

Hightower will test free agency, but the Patriots still want to retain the linebacker.

A 2012 first-round draft choice from Alabama, Hightower was named a captain for the first time in 2016. He finished the season with 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits.