NFL Rumors: Is Malcolm Butler destined to be in New Orleans?
By Conor Myles
Is Malcolm Butler making his way to New Orleans after all?
The free agency frenzy has died down during this stage of the NFL offseason. Majority of teams are turning their focus to the upcoming draft that kicks off on Thursday, April 27th.
There’s still a big question mark revolving around the future of New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler, who has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender.
Butler has until April 21st to sign his tender with the Patriots. The team placed a first-round tender on their starting cornerback, but have since seemed to view him as expendable with the addition of Stephon Gilmore in free agency.
The one team who has shown the most interest in Butler this offseason is the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints brought in Butler for a free agent visit, but their head coach Sean Payton has made it known that the team will not sign Butler to an offer sheet due to the fact they’d lose the 11th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft if the Patriots refused to match the offer.
Saints reporter Larry Holder went on NFL Network explaining why he believes Butler will end up on the Saints roster sooner rather than later.
Holder went on to explain Payton’s thoughts about adding Butler to the team.
"“Sean Payton basically has said they’re not going to give (Butler) an offer sheet because it would give up the 11th pick,” explained Holder. “I followed up with Payton (at the owners meetings). I said look I guess it would have to be more like a sign and trade deal and he said yes, but followed up with that’s just speculation.”"
The Saints clearly need some upgrades to their cornerback group and Butler would be a welcomed addition.
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Holder anticipates a move to happen soon and it’ll be interesting to see if a trade materializes after Butler signs his restricted free agent tender with New England.