Sources Believe Malcolm Butler Will Hit 2018 NFL Free Agency

The New England Patriots are always a team that adjusts to the harsh life of the salary cap, and another sacrifice may be coming in Malcolm Butler.

The team came so close to trading him this offseason, knowing that his contract is set to expire and his value is reaching its peak. Butler is fresh off the best season of his career, even better than his Pro Bowl one in 2015. He finished with four interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble while knocking away 16 other passes. He’s also a key part of helping the Patriots win their second Super Bowl in three years. So yeah, the guy can play.

At age 27 he’s now in his physical prime and there’s no reason to think he won’t command a ton of money on the open market next year. This leaves the Patriots with a choice:  try to sign him on a team-friendly deal or let him walk. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, that decision has likely been made.

Bill Belichick is always careful with his secondary investments

Don’t be mistaken by the Stephon Gilmore signing for New England. They got him on a fairly affordable deal and it’s that move which first indicated the Patriots might have plans to move on from Butler. It’s becoming clearer each day that he’s going to command top dollar in 2018 free agency, even more than Gilmore who is making $13 million a year. If Butler has another good year, he could conceivably demand anywhere from $14 million to $16 million.

The Patriots know this and have already prepared for it. Then again after watching their defense on opening night perhaps spending the money to keep him wouldn’t be such a terrible idea. Regardless the signs continue to point towards Butler playing for a new team next year. He has his rings. Now it’s about securing his future.