The New Orleans Saints are the one team that has been consistently linked to Malcolm Butler this offseason, but it sounds like they are losing interest in trying to trade for the Pro Bowl cornerback.
Peter King of The MMQB was told by a source that the Saints are “leaning toward keeping their first three picks” in the upcoming NFL Draft. New Orleans currently has the 11th, 32nd and 42nd overall selections, and the New England Patriots would likely want at least one of those in any deal involving Butler.
According to King’s source, the Saints believe there are plenty of players who will be available in the first three rounds (they also have the 76th overall pick) and are capable of making an immediate impact. The 2017 draft class is considered very deep at defensive back, so giving up a high pick for Butler and then having to sign him to a long-term extension may not make sense.
Butler, a restricted free agent, has already signed his tender with the Patriots. If he is not traded, he will be forced to play out the 2017 season under a $3.9 million contract. The 27-year-old can then hit the open market next offseason.
With New England having signed star cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a massive contract this offseason, it is essentially a guarantee that they are not keeping Butler long-term. Unless the Saints feel they desperately need Butler this season, they might be better off keeping their picks and trying to sign him in a year.
The Patriots may be operating as though they plan to trade Butler (more on that here), but the market for a potential rental player is always going to be limited.
