Malcolm Butler’s days in New England appear numbered.
The Patriots cornerback was the subject of a lot of contract drama this offseason, waiting a month to sign his restricted free agent tender after the two sides were unable to agree on a new deal. Butler reportedly wanted to be traded to the New Orleans Saints, too, after a visit there, and he could eventually get to New Orleans — or anywhere else in the league — as NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said Thursday night that 2017 likely is Butler’s last season with the Pats.
Butler has been the No. 1 cornerback in New England since Darrelle Revis left after the 2014 season, but the Patriots already have that role filled by Gilmore if they do end up losing the 27-year-old in free agency.