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New England Patriots: 5 Players entering their final season in NE

By Marcus Stanois

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 /
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New England Patriots
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 /

Malcolm Butler, CB, age 27

Earlier this offseason rumors began to surface that Malcolm Butler may be on his way out of New England. Butler initially joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and rose to fame following his heroic interception in Super Bowl XLIX.

Butler hasn’t missed a game since being named New England’s starting cornerback in 2015. In three years with New England, he’s racked up six interceptions, 38 passes defended, 122 tackles, and a forced fumble. Butler finished 2016 with four picks, 48 tackles, and one sack.

When free agency opened this March, the Patriots signed former Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a five-year deal. The news of Gilmore’s signing didn’t go over well with Butler and the possibility of him being traded to the New Orleans began to gain traction after he visited with the Saints.

Ultimately, no trade was made. Butler’s contract expires after the 2017 season and unless he’s franchise tagged, he’ll decide his future.

CSNNE’s Mike Giardi said the following regarding Butler:

"“He wanted New Orleans. He wanted them badly. They couldn’t work out a deal. So what’s he supposed to do now? Sit at home? No, you suck it up. You have to turn yourself back into a Patriot at least for a year, and hope. Who knows, maybe you do your work and maybe they say, ‘Hey, Malcolm, you know what, we can’t give you Gilmore money. But maybe we can find something. Maybe we’ve got $10 or $11 million.”"

Gilmore and Butler will combine to create one of the league’s best cornerback tandems, even if it’s only for one season.

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