Patriots' Malcolm Butler to visit Saints as restricted free agent
In need of some major defensive upgrades for a potential playoff run, the New Orleans Saints appear be exploring the possibility of a blockbuster acquisition.
New Orleans is scheduled to host restricted free-agent cornerback Malcolm Butler for a visit Thursday, head coach Sean Payton confirmed to Brett Martel of The Associated Press.
Butler received a first-round tender from the New England Patriots heading into the offseason. If signed to an offer sheet that the Patriots decline to match, the corresponding compensation would have to be sent to New England.
Also on the table - in the entirely likely event that the Saints' No. 11 overall pick is deemed too significant of a price tag - is Butler signing his restricted free-agent tender with the Patriots and being traded for a different package of picks thereafter.
With such a deal in mind, the Saints have opened negotiations with Butler and hope to talk trade with the Patriots in the event of an agreement, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
A report following the recent Brandin Cooks trade indicated that the two teams could explore another deal involving Butler, and an official visit can certainly be considered a step in that direction.
Best known for the goal-line interception that sealed a Super Bowl XLIX win, Butler has gone on to emerge as one of the league's most promising cornerbacks in the two years since.
The 27-year-old would instantly step in as the Saints' top cornerback and shore up a pass defense that allowed a league-worst 274 yards per game in 2016.
Parting ways with a young defensive back of Butler's caliber is rare, but the Patriots would likely be open to the idea of receiving a package of picks in return for a player who'd be difficult to re-sign as an unrestricted free agent next offseason. Landing former Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore in free agency gives the defense another top talent to fill the void.
Butler recorded six interceptions, 32 passes defensed, and 130 tackles while starting every game for the Patriots over the last two seasons.