Malcolm Butler

Patriots would prefer to keep Malcolm Butler

New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft said at the NFL Owners Meetings that the team's "intention isn't to trade" defensive back Malcolm Butler.

What It Means:

That may be true, but Kraft didn't mention anything about a long-term commitment to Butler, who is due to make less than $4 million in 2017 as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. There's no doubt that the 27-year-old corner is a Pro Bowl talent, but the Patriots already splurged on their secondary this offseason by signing Stephon Gilmore to a five-year, $65 million contract with $31 million fully guaranteed. A trade to the New Orleans Saints remains a possibility.

The Patriots ranked 11th last season in Adjusted Defensive Passing Net Expected Points allowed per play.