Malcolm Butler should still be on Saints' radar (IMO)
I say go for it. Our window is closing.
New England's window is closing also and they decided to go for it. We have tons of evidence to understand this:
- They normally try to acquire extra picks, they went the opposite this time. They invested 3 picks of this draft to get a wide receiver and a running back with NFL experience. They don't have time to develop players right now. They also trade out of the second round in order to get Koney Ealy.
- If the reports are correct, they could have gotten a ransom of picks for Jimmy Garoppolo, but they decided to keep him for another year, knowing quiet well that next year they will have to franchise him if they want to keep him.
- They normally don't spend big money on free agents, they did it this year with Stephone Gilmore.
- And there is Butler. He may need to be franchised next year or will leave as an unrestricted free agent. They didn't think what they could get in the draft with the compensation the saints offer will have the same impact as Butler playing opposite Gilmore, so they kept him. We should not forget this was a draft specially rich at cornerback. Experience was a must for them.
So, frankly, after all of this I don't see a reason why the Patriots will be interested in trading Butler to the saints or anyone else before the season starts.
They are living in the present, and no doubt they are the favorites to win the Superbowl again.
Right now, the only way I see Butler in a saints uniform is on 2018, signed as a free agent, and with a heavy contract.
I wish that we won't need to look for another cornerback next year.