After an eventful offseason that saw him nearly traded to the New Orleans Saints, the 2017 campaign was somewhat quiet for former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler.
The former Pro Bowler ultimately recorded 60 tackles, 12 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two interceptions in another solid all-around performance.
With his team now set to play in its second consecutive Super Bowl, the New England Patriots’ defensive back is making it clear he wants to return to the team next season.
Malcolm Butler when asked do you want to be back with the #Patriots next season?: “Without a doubt. Without a doubt”. Said earlier he’s not thinking at all about free agency this week.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 31, 2018
One of the things that has made New England find consistent success over the past two decades is that it doesn’t get into bidding wars with other teams in free agency. If Butler wants to return to the Pats, he’s going to have to take a below-market deal. It’s that simple.
With that said, New England still does have the option to place the franchise tag on the 27-year-old corner. That, too, seems to be highly unlikely. It’s in this that Sunday’s game could be Butler’s last with the defending champs.