Report: Patriots' Butler wants new contract before the start of this season

The New England Patriots' hero of Super Bowl XLIX is reportedly looking to cash in on his recent success.

Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler has told teammates and friends that he plans to push for a new contract before the start of the 2016 season, reports ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Butler was one of 17 Patriots players who skipped Thursday's voluntary organized team activity.

While the reason for Butler's absence is uncertain, Reiss speculates that the 26-year-old could be sending a message of intent to the Patriots regarding his contract situation, while also minimizing his risk of injury.

Butler is about to enter the final year of his contract, and is slated to earn $600,000 in 2016, far below his market value.

The former undrafted free agent is best known for his game-sealing interception on the goal-line against the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. However, Butler showed he wasn't a one-play wonder last season, establishing himself as one of the league's better corners and earning a spot at the Pro Bowl.