April 27 — the first day of the 2017 NFL draft — is the likely deadline for a Malcolm Butler trade, as the Patriots probably won’t deal Butler for 2018 picks, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
The Saints, of course, have shown extreme interest in Butler, bringing in the restricted free agent cornerback for a visit and beginning work on a contract negotiation. New Orleans doesn’t intend to propose an offer sheet to Butler, however, as doing so would cost the club the No. 11 pick if the Patriots declined to match the terms. A trade could still be worked out, but Butler needs to sign his RFA tender first.
Butler has until April 21 to ink an offer sheet with another club. New England can still trade him after that point, but he needs to be under contract to be dealt. Butler will earn $3.91MM under the terms of his RFA tender, but if he doesn’t sign by June 15, the Patriots can reduce his salary to $600K.
New England has been linked to other defensive backs this offseason, including Seattle’s Richard Sherman (whom the Patriots are now not expected to trade for). Recently released cornerback Jason McCourty, too, may be on the Pats’ radar, but New England probably won’t add another corner unless Butler isn’t part of their 2017 plans.
Even if the Pats don’t trade Butler they need to find a SMART way to move up into the middle second round and draft Sidney Jones because with everything going on I doubt Butler will want to come back next offseason when he is a UFA if he even is still around. I think Rowe could cover for one season but I don’t think he or Cyrus Jones is the answer. So getting Jones in the second round and not rushing him back is great value and a Bellicheck like pick as well. Having Gillmore, Jones, Rowe and eventually if this happens Jones would be a great CB core but I doubt he falls to the 3rd round even with his injury. The Pats need to focus on CB and LB in this years draft
I have seen everywhere people saying they need to draft a DE. Which is true but in my opinion that should be issue #3. If I was the Pats i would trade Jimmy G to the Browns for a 2018 first and both their 2nd round picks this year I could see them drafting Jones and Peppers with those picks of they are around when they are on the clock
Yea and if I were the browns I would lol
“If I was the Pats i would trade Jimmy G to the Browns for a 2018 first and both their 2nd round picks this year…”
Not
Going
To
Happen