The New England Patriots are potentially in the middle of partially overhauling their defensive secondary. One of last year’s starting cornerbacks has left via free agency – Logan Ryan, who was signed by the Tennessee Titans – while restricted free agent Malcolm Butler, has not yet signed the tender sheet the team has placed on him; leaving his status for the upcoming season in question.
Therefore, it was no surprise seeing the Patriots explore other options. Among them was Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. The 29-year old has been put on the trading block by his team and thus seen as a potential replacement option should Butler leave the team.
However, according to a recent report by CSNNE’s Tom Curran, the Patriots are not interested in trading for Sherman. While the report did not mention the exact reasons for New England’s decision, the Seahawks’ asking price for the four-time Pro Bowler might have played a part in it: Per the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero, Seattle wanted at least “a very good player plus a high draft pick”.
New England might have been willing to give up a very good player like Malcolm Butler if it would get Sherman in return. However, the absence of a high selection in this year’s draft might have sealed the deal for the Patriots. Having to pay Sherman a combined $22.4 million over the next two seasons likely also made the decision to drop out of the sweepstakes an easier one for New England.
With Sherman not coming to Foxboro, the Patriots might have to look elsewhere to replace Malcolm Butler – if he needs to be replaced at all.