Dont’a Hightower, Marcus Cannon reportedly join list of Patriots opting out of 2020 season

The Patriots linebacking corps took another hit Tuesday morning when Dont’a Hightower opted out of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to an ESPN report.

Hightower, who welcomed a child earlier this month with his fiance, is the leader of the team’s front seven and was scheduled to make $8 million this season.

In addition, the Boston Herald reported starting right tackle Marcus Cannon also has opted out. Cannon, 32, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, would receive a $350,000 stipend as a high-risk candidate. Multiple reports indicated running back Brandon Bolden also decided to sit out.

New England’s linebacking corps will look drastically different from the 2019 unit, with Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins), Jamie Collins (Lions), and Elandon Roberts (Dolphins) all leaving in free agency.

Fullback Dan Vitale and guard Najee Toran previously decided to sit out the 2020 season. The deadline for players to inform teams of their decisions is Aug. 3.

It’s possible Cannon qualifies as a “higher risk player opt out,” because he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft. After being selected by the Patriots in the fifth round, Cannon continued his chemotherapy treatments and began his rookie season on the non-football injury list. He made his debut in Week 10 that year and has since become a mainstay on New England’s offensive line.

According to an agreement between the league and NFLPA, cancer is among the diagnoses and conditions that would classify a player as “higher risk.” Players who opt out for medical reasons will receive $300,000, while those who voluntarily opt out will receive $150,000.

The loss of Cannon could open the door for 2019 third-round pick Yodny Cajuste, who was not a member of the active roster last season because of a quad injury. Offensive tackle Korey Cunningham could be an option as well.

The Patriots could pursue a replacement using their newly available salary cap space. Cannon, Vitale, and Toran opting out will create additional cap space as well.

The decisions leave New England with openings on its 80-man roster. The team already filled an opening by re-signing undrafted rookie wide receiver Will Hastings, who was initially released Sunday afternoon.

Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.