Saints out of CB Butler talks … for now … New Orleans head coach Sean Payton confirmed this morning that the Saints will not extend an offer to New England restricted free agent CB Malcolm Butler. The Saints had what was reported to be a productive meeting with Butler earlier this month, Payton said the organization is unwilling to give up the 11th pick in next month’s draft for his services. According to league rules, if the Saints had signed Butler to an offer sheet and the Patriots did not match, New Orleans would owe New England a first-round pick as compensation. And it would be the Saints highest pick, the 11th. The Saints had hoped to work out some kind of sign and trade deal with New England in which the Patriots would get the 32nd overall from the Saints rather than the 11th. Ironically, the Saints originally acquired the 32nd pick from New England in the deal for WR Brandin Cooks earlier this month, but the Patriots are reportedly holding out for the 11th pick. However, there is still plenty of time to get something done before the draft and it appears to be in both teams interest to do so. New Orleans desperately needs a quality cover corner, while the Patriots likely can’t afford to keep Butler after spending big bucks to sign CB Stephon Gilmore away from Buffalo. Stay tuned.
