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New England Patriots: Will Malcolm Butler’s heart be in it this season?

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 20-27. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) celebrates from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 20-27. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots will have one of the best secondaries in the NFL entering the 2017 season on paper, but will one of their top corners come to play?

Heart, work ethic and reliability have never been in question when it comes to New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler.  But, will things change following an offseason of contractual rifts and continuous trade rumors?

As of now, it appears Butler is still invested in the team despite not receiving a long-term extension from the team.  He showed up at the team’s voluntary offseason program last week demonstrating his commitment to the team in 2017.

If that commitment continues going into the season, it will be good news for the defending Super Bowl champions.  Having a fully dedicated Butler playing alongside Stephon Gilmore can only mean good things for the Patriots.

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Although Gilmore’s five-year, $65 million contract is basically a slap in the face to Butler, he could use it as motivation to score big next offseason. Both sides could ultimately win in the long run.

Malcolm Butler could get the deal he wants if he plays another solid season and the Patriots will get an opportunity to develop a young corner who can learn from both Gilmore and Butler.

Playing with a chip on his shoulder

While Butler did join his teammates at Gillette Stadium last week, he still has some hard feelings towards his current team.

As reported by CSNNE’s Mike Giardi on Thursday (May 4), the No. 99 ranked player in the NFL really wanted to be traded to the New Orleans Saints in the offseason. Giardi explained in an appearance on CSNNE’s Early Edition.

"“He wanted to be traded,” Giardi said, via NESN.  “He knew what the money was in New Orleans.  So when we talk about him, ‘Oh, he’s happy.  It’s nice that he’s joined his teammates again.’  He had no other choice.”"

Giardi went on to explain that Butler couldn’t work out a deal with the Saints and decided to play for the $3.91 million deal this season with hopes of scoring the type of deal he feels he is worth.

Overall, Malcolm Butler may still have some ill feelings towards the team as far as business goes.  But, he will have something to play for which will be a good thing.

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However, this is a situation that will still dominate headlines once training camp starts.  It will gain traction if Butler doesn’t play well or even if Gilmore struggles.

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