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New England Patriots: Top Five Free Agents Patriots Must Re-Sign This Offseason

By Michael Hudson

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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#2 Malcolm Butler, CB

Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts after a play in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts after a play in the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

This one isn’t as ‘mission critical’ as Hightower, specifically because Butler is a restricted free agent. The Patriots have extensive leverage when negotiating with Butler, knowing that if he does decide to sign with another team, they’ll be able to put a high draft pick as compensation (likely either a first or second round tender).

There is no denying Butler is a fan favorite. His interception in Super Bowl XLIX two years ago forever sealed his legacy in Boston sports lore, and he turned his fame from that pick into a solid career as a number one corner, often drawing opponent’s other top wide receivers.

But head coach Bill Belichick has always had a constant revolving door at the cornerback position and has been reluctant to pay top dollar for the position in the past, including letting Darrelle Revis walk back to the New York Jets when they wouldn’t match his top contract.

Butler, however, likely won’t command top-corner money, despite his recent All-Pro selection. If Butler is willing to accept middle-to-high tear corner money, expect him to be back in Foxborough next season.

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