New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Wants Malcolm Butler to Remain With Team

By Noriel See, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Malcolm Butler's future with the New England Patriots remains uncertain. The New Orleans Saints have been pushing to get a deal done with the cornerback in the past few weeks, but Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants to see him back in New England next season.

"I know he has the ability to go out in the market and get someone to sign him, and then we either match it or get the first-round draft pick. I'm rooting, I hope, he's with us and signs his offer sheet and plays for us," Kraft told reporters at the annual league meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, according to ESPN.

"I have a great affection for him. He was part of probably the greatest play in the history of our team, but there are a lot of people involved in that on both sides," he continued.

Kraft went on to say that it wasn't their intention to trade him.

So far, Butler's only suitor appears to be the Saints. However, they have yet to sign him to an offer sheet. The Patriots have the right to match any offer Butler receives since he is a restricted free agent. If they decline to match the offer, the Saints will have to send their first-round pick to the Patriots.

If Butler signs the tender, the Patriots will have the option to trade him. However, they can also keep him instead. Kraft will be pleased to see Butler in a Patriots uniform next season.

The problem is, Butler wants to get paid and the Patriots can't give him much since they have already given Stephon Gilmore a huge contract. Can they convince Butler to stay for one more year?

Kraft is not going to meddle in team affairs, so it's up to head coach Bill Belichick to decide if he wants to keep Butler or not. If he ends up leaving they can always look for another cornerback in the open market. Darrelle Revis happens to be available.