Report: Patriots' Butler will attend OTAs next week
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is expected to attend the team's OTAs next week, a source told Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.
Butler has been absent from the Patriots' offseason program thus far, with it believed that he was staying away as a statement of dissatisfaction with his current contract.
However, Howe notes that Butler's absence has nothing to do with his contract situation.
It makes sense that Butler won't try and force a new deal, as he has little leverage to do so.
The 26-year-old had a breakout season in 2015, earning a Pro Bowl berth, however, he'll be a restricted free agent after the 2016 season, meaning the Patriots have the option to hit him with a first-, second-, or original-round tender.
New England would then have the right to match any offer, and would receive compensation based on the tender if they choose not to do so.
Butler is set to earn $600,000 for the upcoming season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent.