Malcolm Butler's visit with Saints comes to a close

Vincent De Villiers

Março 19, 2017

In the most recent edition, Cooks drew a lot of attention during his one-on-one battles with Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler. Then in 2015, Butler jumped on to the scene even more. However, if the Saints or another suitor signs Butler, they'd owe the Patriots a first round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and for Belichick that would mean a #11 pick.

Gilmore's teammates may recognize that factor, but the Patriots will want to get him to jell with the secondary more simply because he's a good player.

One could easily understand why New Orleans would be interested in Butler.

Speaking on The Ringer NFL Show podcast Thursday, Lombardi discussed the details around Butler's potential exit from New England. Normally this wouldn't be super newsworthy with the National Football League in the midst of free agency. Harmon would see his reps increase, with Patrick Chung likely playing closer to the line of scrimmage, in the Patriots' nickel defense if Butler does leave. Last season, he wasn't as productive, recording 8 tackles and 3 pass defenses in 10, including one start. If the sides can agree to the parameters of a long-term deal, the Pats and Saints should be able to work out trade compensation.

At the moment, it seems like the second option is more likely to happen, as the 11th draft pick is too valuable for the Saints to give up.

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Ultimately, I think somehow, some way, Malcolm Butler will soon be getting fitted for a Saints uniform.

For Butler, that may not be enough. The deadline to sign his tender is April 21st.

"So I'd say he's humble, but when you watch the tape, he plays with a chip on his shoulder", Payton continued.

I'll be 28 in March.

"Coming to New England it seems like it's an offense that guys do a bunch of different things and I'm looking forward to being able to do some things that I didn't necessarily have to do in New Orleans, hopefully to get the chance here and do it here", Cooks said. I really love playing for this organization. But Butler is not a free agent, but a restricted free agent.

New England though has been quite aggressive during free agency, spending $65 million in guaranteed money by re-signing D'Anta Hightower, signing Rex Burkhead from Cincinnati and signing Stephon Gilmore to a five-year $65 million after luring him away from the division rival Buffalo Bills. As awkward as that might be.