What It Means:

"He wanted to be traded," Giardi said. "He knew what the money was in New Orleans. So when we talk about him, 'Oh he's happy. It's nice that he's joined his teammates again.' He had no other choice. He wanted New Orleans. He wanted them badly. They couldn't work out a deal. So what's he supposed to do now? Sit at home? No, you suck it up. You have to turn yourself back into a Patriot at least for a year." There isn't expected to be any sort of holdout situation as it's in Butler's best interest to simply turn in another great season and put himself in position to cash in next spring.

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