Pats mum on Butler
CB inks tender, trade possible
FOXBORO — The Patriots aren’t willing to openly disclose their plans for cornerback Malcolm Butler and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Without a pick in the first two rounds of next week’s draft, the Patriots are equipped with a pair of significant trade chips that could net them some quality ammunition in the early rounds.
And with a development in Butler’s situation yesterday, the Patriots can begin fielding trade offers.
Butler signed his restricted free agent tender, which served as the next logical step in the layered process of finding his home for the 2017 season. Rather than waiting until Friday’s deadline in the hope of landing an offer sheet, Butler inked the tender to give the Patriots an extra few days to negotiate any trade calls prior to the draft. The Saints have been openly interested in acquiring Butler, who visited their facility in New Orleans for two days last month.
Pats director of player personnel Nick Caserio was noncommittal in regard to their strategy with the cornerback, though.
“Our focus and goal is to put together the best team possible,” Caserio said yesterday during his annual pre-draft news conference. “However we’re going to improve our team, whatever players we think are going to help our team for the 2017 season, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
For the time being, Butler will continue working out on his own. The Patriots reported to Gillette Stadium yesterday for the start of their voluntary offseason workout program, so Butler’s absence (similar to someone like Alan Branch) is not a holdout. If Butler remains with the Patriots, he’ll have to attend minicamp from June 6-8 or the team can fine him.
Butler’s contract is now locked in at $3.91 million for the 2017 season. Barring an extension, or trade and subsequent extension, Butler is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season.
As for Garoppolo, the Browns have made an admirable effort in the hope of acquiring Tom Brady’s backup, though their offers haven’t enticed the Patriots to accept a trade that would involve at least one firstround pick. There have been reports this offseason that suggest the Patriots won’t move Garoppolo under any circumstances, so Caserio was asked if he was indeed not for sale.
“Anything that we do, we’re always going to do what we think is in the best interest of our football team, and that’s how we approach it,” Caserio said. “That’s not going to change. Whatever you think is best for our team for 2017, for that season, then that’s what we’ll do. However that manifests itself, not exactly sure, but that’s where the focus is, trying to put together the best team possible for the 2017 season. However that comes about, then we’ll take it as it comes.”
The Patriots don’t have any picks in the first or second round, so they’d likely need to move Butler or Garoppolo in order to jump up ahead of their initial selection at No. 72. Caserio couldn’t anticipate what would happen, potentially because he didn’t know if the Browns, Saints or anyone else would meet their price for their two prized chips.
“I don’t anticipate that many transactions here between now and next Thursday or Friday,” Caserio said. “Could that change? Look, it’s the National Football League. Things can change in a heartbeat. Our focus is on getting ready for the draft and putting together the best team possible.”