New England Patriots Will Reportedly Hold Onto CB Malcolm Butler, And It’s the Wrong Move
Reports have surfaced that the New England Patriots will likely hold onto cornerback Malcolm Butler. I think that’s the wrong move to make.
The New England Patriots and their fans will never forget Malcolm Butler and his crucial plays on two Super Bowl winning teams, but it’s time to let him go.
Butler has been the center of many Patriots talks this offseason. He recently signed his first round tender, and many thought that was a sign of a soon to come trade. Now though, reports say a trade is highly unlikely.
Ian Rapoport claimed that the New Orleans Saints had a possible $50 milion deal in place for Malcolm Butler, but because he was under a first round tender from New England they didn’t extend an offer sheet. The Saints would have had to give up a first rounder to the Patriots for Butler. Now that he’s signed, a regular trade could take place.
Peter King from MMQB recently broke down why he thinks a deal won’t take place however.
"More from New England PatriotsFormer Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason GamePatriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even BeginsNew Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKingsEzekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With PatriotsThe Saints (picking 11, 32, 42, 76, 103 in the first three rounds) are still interested in Butler, but someone familiar with their thinking believes they are leaning toward keeping their first three picks. The Saints believe that their board between 25 and 75 has a slew of players capable of contributing immediately, with grades close to each other, and the thought of dealing one or more picks for Butler, then paying him a huge contract, is less attractive than it once seemed."
I’m hoping there is another team interested in Butler’s services. The time is now for the Patriots to get something in return for the corner. That said, the worst case scenario is not so bad.
Butler will be paired with the new $65 million man Stephon Gilmore in 2017, and the Patriots could franchise Butler next season if they wanted. After that though, I think he’d want out, so the Patriots would get nothing if he walks in free agency.
While the Patriots may be looking for a first rounder for Malcolm Butler, I think they should work out a deal with a team with a high second round pick. Throw in a couple of third or fourth round picks as well, and this should be a done deal.
Well Who Can They Ship Butler To? And For What?
A team that a deal may work with, if they’re interested, is the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners have the second pick of the second round, 34th overall. This would help the Patriots out as they don’t have a pick in the first or second round.
San Fran would likely want to at least hold on to their third round pick, which is fine because the Patriots have two picks in that round. They could however offer New England a future third rounder, the 109th overall pick in round four, and the 143rd overall pick from the fourth round.
While this deal may look lopsided, San Francisco is looking to beef up their defense. Butler would be their clear #1 corner for the long run. This is a trade that helps out both sides.
Another option, as always, is the Cleveland Browns. The Browns could give New England the 33rd overall pick, the 65th overall pick and the 175th overall pick in this year’s draft, as well as a future third rounder.
Both these deals would have a huge impact on all teams, and the NFL Draft as a whole.
Yes, I know these moves are unlikely, but a man can dream.
Next: Gillislee is Now a Patriot
The NFL Draft begins this Thursday on NFL Network and ESPN. Let’s see what transpires for New England.