If you want more reason to hope the New England Patriots will retain CB Malcolm Butler for the 2017, just listen to New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who says the Saints haven’t discussed Butler “in a while.”
Loomis says haven’t had discussions about Butler in a while.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 26, 2017
Loomis sees a deep draft in the secondary.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) April 26, 2017
The Saints and Butler reportedly have a contract in place should New Orleans acquire the cornerback, but the Saints don’t want to pay the Patriots asking price for the cornerback because of the talent in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Cornerbacks like Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley, Marlon Humphrey, Kevin King, Chidobe Awuzie, Sidney Jones, Adoree Jackson, Tre’Davious White, and Quincy Wilson all have arguments to go in the top 50 picks, where the Saints have three selections (11th, 32nd, 42nd). If the Saints believe these players could be top cornerbacks, they would much rather add these players on rookie deals than shell out big money to Butler.
All signs are pointing towards Butler remaining with the Patriots for 2017- and that leaves the door open for a possible extension between the two teams moving forward.