The Patriots remain willing to move cornerback Malcolm Butler, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) hears. JLC goes on to speculate that the Pats could package the second-round pick they acquired from the Niners in the Jimmy Garoppolo blockbuster to bring home a quality player. 
[RELATED: Patriots Trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo To 49ers]
Butler, 27, is headed for free agency after the 2017 season. The Patriots, unwilling to commit to him this summer, shopped him hard and nearly sent him to the Saints. Butler is back to playing quality football after a shaky start to the season, but the Patriots are in in the same place – they need to think hard about moving the cornerback if they are unwilling to commit serious dollars to him in March.
The Garoppolo deal could spur Bill Belichick & Co. to package Butler with their draft capital for something better, as La Canfora suggested, but Monday’s deal could have the opposite effect on potential Butler talks. Before the trade, the Patriots were seemingly on course to re-sign or franchise tag Garoppolo for a lot of money. With the young QB out of the equation, there should be more money available to lock up Butler, if that’s what they want to do.
As of this writing, Butler is Pro Football Focus’ No. 31 ranked cornerback in the NFL. He was ranked No. 7 in 2016.
I think Philly might be thinking about him, but I hope they don’t throw the future away trying to go all out this year. If Philly were to trade for him I don’t think he would accept any extension offers from them.
Why Not? Do you think the Marlins doing it 2x in the MLB was a waste of time? How many times have the Eagles been 7-1? Last time was a super bowl run.
Trade him to Detroit for ebron. I would love to see the slay butler combo.
Slay and butler that’s a terrible idea 2 of the shorter corners in the league
Vinny Curry for Butler and pick. Maybe not the second rounder but there’s depth on the dline in Philly. I think the Eagles will be ok with Sydney Jones and Darby, but they aren’t Butler. Make the run this year.
Nice try but for a disgruntled Pro Bowl CB like Butler and a super high 2nd round pick, the Pats would be looking for a high impact player and I just don’t see another team trading a franchise asset like that during the season.
STEELERS ????