The Patch Patriot Roundup: Hightower Free Agency, McCourty Twin To TV

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The NFL news cycle never stops, and it's about to pick up in a big way.

Rookies reported to training camp on July 19, and veterans are set to report on July 26. The first training sessions are scheduled for July 27 and, this year, fans will be able to attend.

Open practices are also confirmed for Thursday, July 28, Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30. Practice will be at 9:30 a.m. with gates opening for fans at 8:00 a.m.

According to the team, all outdoor practice sessions are open to the public and free to attend.

Here's what else to know:

Jason McCourty Joins Good Morning Football

Jason McCourty is done with his football playing days, but a career in television is just getting started.

McCourty will make his debut on Monday, July 25, at 7 a.m. He'll join new host Jamie Erdahl, Peter Schrager, Kyle Brandt and Will Selva.

Here's what he said about the move:

"I'm fired up to join the team at NFL Network because it enables me to step out of one locker room and into another," said McCourty.

"Being able to team up with Jamie, Peter, Kyle and Will gives me new teammates with the common goal of adding to the success of Good Morning Football. I look forward to the early mornings, great debates, laughter, and talking about the game I fell in love with. I know it will be a fun ride filled with fascinating guests and incredible segments. I will take full advantage of learning from my awesome co-hosts and production team. I'm excited to bring an inside perspective of what it's like to be an NFL player. I've had the pleasure to experience it all in the NFL, from being drafted at the end of the sixth round, to being cut, then traded and finally retiring. I've endured seasons of 0-16 to hoisting a Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIII. Good Morning Football now gives me the platform to share those experiences and lessons with fans all over the world."

McCourty spent three seasons with the Patriots, he, alongside his brother Devin, became the first set of twins to play in and win a Super Bowl when New England defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.

Where Will Dont'a Hightower Land?

Longtime Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightowers is still a free agent, and the All-Pro and Super Bowl winner is yet to decide on what his future holds.

According to Sports Illustrated's FanNation, a source said he is still weighing his options when it comes to his 11th season.

Given his accomplished status, however, blogs and publications have been pondering moves and best fits for Hightower, with one team gaining steam over the past week: the Dallas Cowboys.

Whether we see Hightower in another uniform, or even making a potential return to Foxborough, remains to be seen.

Patriots Take A Swing On USFL Defensive Lineman

The Patriots have signed a defensive lineman away from Pittsburgh. That is, USFL's Pittsburgh Maulers.

Pharms finished the season with with two sacks and 32 total tackles for the Maulers.

He began his college career at Sacramento State as a linebacker before switching to the line at Friends University, and NAIA school in Wichita, Kansas. He had 14 ½ sacks at Friends as a senior.

RIP Charles Johnson

Former first-round pick wide receiver Charles Johnson has died at 50.

Johnson was only with the Patriots for one season, winning a Super Bowl ring in 2001.

His season wasn't jaw-dropping statistically, but he caught two passes for 22 yards in the team's AFC Championship Game bout against the Steelers, the team that drafted him.

Johnson was drafted 17th overall by Pittsburgh after a stellar career at the University of Colorado. He tallied 1,000 yards receiving for the Steelers in 1996.

A cause of death hasn't been revealed.