New England Patriots: Kraft Wants Butler, Makes Revis Possibility Even Sweeter
By Chris Bokum
As New England Patriots fans continue to dwell over the uncertain and looming fate of Malcolm Butler being shopped or staying pat, one thing is for sure – Robert Kraft wants Butler.
Per a Boston Globe report, Kraft remains hopeful that the 27-year-old will remain with the New England Patriots in 2017.
"“I sure hope so,’’ Kraft said in the Globe report on Butler returning to Foxborough next season. “You know, we have a [tender] out to him and I know he has the ability to go out and get someone to sign him and we either match it or get the first-round draft pick. I hope he’s with us and signs his [tender] and plays for us.’’"
And just hearing that from Kraft should make Patriots fans salivate over the possibility of Darrelle Revis making a comeback to New England.
How couldn’t it, right?
With Stephon Gilmore on one end and Butler flanking him as the other corner, New England would just continue to prove why they’re the Patriots and everyone else isn’t. Their corner situation would likely be the top unit in the league with Gilmore and Butler alone, but having Revis would only make things sweeter for Belichick.
Revis could be utilized solely as a depth corner, not safety. The Patriots wouldn’t need to force him to any other position. Logistically, not even considering the Butler development, it still makes sense.
What a Bill Belichick move it would be to bring back a veteran corner getting run out of New York, work him back into shape, and absolutely stick it in the Jets’ face with the potential of virtually getting Revis for free.
For free, folks.
Revis spent those two years back with the Jets on a $39 million contract. By cutting him this offseason, New York created $9.3 million in cap space.
But the Jets weren’t done with Revis yet, at least financially. They’ll still by paying the 31-year-old corner in dead money next year, a whopping $6 million in 2017. That’s equal to Revis’ guaranteed base salary the Jets will owe the corner.
From there, Belichick could make it work. New England could virtually bring Revis back to Foxborough for free with the base salary he’ll receive from New York. But it ultimately comes down to Revis, and the crux of the entire deal could still be the price.
Granted, Belichick would need to some reassurance from Revis. There is a reason why the Jets – the team that went above and beyond to ensure the corner returned to New York after winning a Super Bowl with New England – kicked him to the curb and were willing to see Revis make $6 million essentially for free.
Next: Can Any AFC East Team Challenge New England?
Between his off-field troubles this offseason in Pittsburgh throwing punches or the weight gain that slowed him down and subsided his threat-level on defense, Revis won’t just have to prove his worth to Belichick, but the entire league.