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Payton impressed by Butler after RFA visit with Saints

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Sean Payton isn't throwing any water on the Malcolm Butler rumors.

After hosting Butler on a restricted free-agent visit Thursday, the New Orleans Saints head coach came away very impressed with the New England Patriots cornerback and his underdog story.

"You know, coming out of a small town in Mississippi and through junior college and into West Alabama, it's pretty amazing," Payton told Xtra 360 radio in San Diego on Friday, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "And the first three years he's had in this league, shoot, he's had a tremendous amount of success, winning two Super Bowls in three years and being a big part of a team that's accomplished a lot.

"So I'd say he's humble, but when you watch the tape, he plays with a chip on his shoulder."

Related - Report: Saints, Butler conclude visit, remain motivated to reach deal

The Saints did not reach a contract agreement with Butler by the end of the visit Thursday, but a dialogue reportedly remains open. New Orleans would likely need to have Butler sign his first-round tender, negotiate a trade with the Patriots, and sign the cornerback to a new contract.

Adding Butler to their defense would allow the Saints to fill other needs through the draft and could possibly make New Orleans a Super Bowl contender next season.

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