Patriots' Malcolm Butler: Could remain with Patriots

According to Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the team doesn't intend on trading Butler, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

Analysis:

Butler visited the Saints a couple weeks ago to gauge their interest in him as a restricted free agent. Although the parties were unable to strike a deal, Butler's future is complicated by the fact that the Patriots placed a first-round tender on him. That enables New England to match any offer extended to Butler, or receive a first-round pick should they opt not to. Because of those stipulations, a trade seemed to be Butler's most likely route of departure, but Kraft's comments Monday suggest the cornerback could stick around. After signing Stephon Gilmore to a $65 million contract this offseason, the Patriots have a ready-made replacement for Butler, but potentially retaining him on a $3.91 million tender would nonetheless represent excellent value for this season's defense.