NFL free agency rumors: Malcom Butler will visit Saints

Could Malcolm Butler be heading to the New Orleans Saints? 

The Malcolm Butler situation has been one of the top stories of the 2017 NFL offseason. He was nearly involved in the trade which sent Saints receiver Brandin Cooks to the Patriots. After Stephon Gilmore signed a huge deal with the Pats, Butler’s future with the team seems murky at best. New England has signed him to a first round tender to try to protect him. However, it turns out the Saints are interested in signing him, as he’ll be visiting the team.

In order to sign him, New Orleans would have to surrender their own first round pick (the 12th pick) to the Patriots. They can sign him to a contract, but New England will get the opportunity to match it. Should the Saints sign Butler to a deal, there are three possible outcomes. First, the Patriots could choose not to match the offer and get the 12th overall pick. Butler would join the Saints in this scenario.

Second, New England could match the deal. This could be the quickest way to solve Butler’s future in New England. The groundwork for an extension would be laid out. The third option? A trade could be worked out.

Must Read: NFL Free Agency: Top Targets For Each Team

The Patriots are no strangers to the third option, as this is how they got Wes Welker from the Miami Dolphins. Butler’s visiting another team, which is telling because it means Butler himself is questioning his future with the Patriots. Maybe he’s just calling New England’s bluff in hopes of getting a long-term extension. Considering the Patriots have already lost Logan Ryan this offseason, expect them to try to keep the unsung hero of their fourth Super Bowl win around.