Report: Jets, Patriots may be leaders in Hightower sweepstakes

The biggest prize remaining in free agency could be deciding between two AFC East rivals.

The New York Jets and New England Patriots appear to be the leading contenders to sign linebacker Dont'a Hightower, reports CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora.

Hightower was a first-round pick of the Patriots in 2012 and has won two Super Bowls with the team. A return to New England is thought to be likely, but the fact that Hightower remains unsigned suggests the Patriots have at least some trepidation about committing long-term.

The Jets are a name that hadn't previously been linked to Hightower, but they make sense as a destination because they lack impact players in their linebacking corps.

Several other teams are interested, too, according to La Canfora. Among them are believed to be the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns.