New Orleans Saints NFL Trade Rumors: Malcolm Butler 'Warmed Up' to Playing for Saints
Last week, it was rumored that Malcolm Butler was heading to New Orleans as part of a package for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, but the New England Patriots had to complete the deal without him because he has yet to sign his free agency tender. The Saints might have failed to acquire him in that deal, but they're not giving up yet.
According to Brett Martel of The Associated Press, Saints head coach Sean Payton has confirmed that Butler was scheduled to visit the team on Thursday, and Comcast SportsNet New England's Michael Giardi said the cornerback has "very much warmed up to the idea of playing in New Orleans and closer to home."
It was previously reported that Butler wants to stay with the Patriots, but NFL.com's Ian Rapoport has reported that the Saints have begun working on a new contract with Butler and they were hoping to finalize a deal within the week before they start trade talks with the Patriots.
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Since Butler is a restricted free agent, the Patriots can match any offer he gets from the Saints. If they decide not to match the offer, the Saints will have to send one of their first-round picks to the Patriots. Well, NOLA.com's Larry Holder has reported that the eleventh overall pick isn't on the table, so they have to work on a trade instead.
Butler will have to sign the tender first if he wants to be traded, though. After that, the two clubs can work on a deal to send the cornerback to New Orleans where he can then sign a new long-term deal.
"Of course, there will be a point at which the Patriots and Saints will need to do some winking and nodding, so that the planets can properly align once Butler has signed the tender. But if the Saints are the ones who initiate the trade talks, Belichick will be more comfortable (or at least less uncomfortable) about working out a tentative trade before Butler signs the tender offer," ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio said in his report.
