Although reports near the beginning of the season indicated cornerback Malcolm Butler would likely leave the Patriots following the 2017 campaign, there is in fact mutual contractual interest between New England and the former Super Bowl hero, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. However, negotiations aren’t expected to take place until the season concludes.
Butler, of course, was reportedly dangled in trade talks all offseason, and also had a restricted free agent dalliance with the Saints that ultimately led nowhere. He’s now teaming with free agent acquisition Stephon Gilmore in a surprisingly poor secondary, and that hefty investment in Gilmore (five years, $65MM) could lead to Butler going elsewhere.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported earlier this year that the Patriots were “done” negotiating with Butler, although that could have meant the club wouldn’t rekindle talks until the offseason. Butler looks the like the best cornerback scheduled to enter the 2018 free agent market (other options include Vontae Davis and Trumaine Johnson), and New England would be entitled to a compensatory selection — likely in the third round — if Butler signs with another club.
The franchise tag could conceivably be an option, but Rapoport indicated the Patriots had no interest in using that tender on Butler in 2018. Next year’s cornerback tag will likely be worth north of $15MM, meaning New England would be investing a significant amount of money in its defensive backfield. Butler is currently earning just $3.91MM this season under his restricted free agent tender.
Butler, 27, struggled earlier this year, but he’s settled in and returned to his typical levels of production. He’s played on 95% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, and grades as the NFL’s No. 22 cornerback through seven games, per Pro Football Focus. While he’s managed two interceptions on the season, Butler ranks just 57th among 63 qualifiers in Football Outsiders’ success rate.
Gilmore was just a bone head move by Bill Belichick the GM
I think It’s too early to have an opinion on the Gilmore signing. In man coverage, he’s been fine. The problem is NE hasn’t been playing a lot of man coverage. I expect the communication issues to resolve and the Pats will work out the kinks. With another injury to the front 7 (Hightower) the secondary is going to really have to step its game up if NE wants to make any noise in the postseason.
People thought revis was a mistake too at first