By John Sarianides
It has been a busy day when it comes to the Patriots. Between the stories surrounding Dont’a Hightower and Malcolm Butler and the signing of running back Rex Burkhead, the Patriots are once again grabbing the headlines.
1. Hightower Hits Pittsburgh: Dont’a Hightower visited the Steelers today and according to sources, the Steelers made Hightower an offer. The offer did come with a stipulation. Hightower had to take it before leaving Pittsburgh or it was off the table.
At last check, there was no word as to whether or not Hightower excepted the offer. We did learn today that the Jets have offered Hightower the most money of any of the teams he is talking to.
It is obvious Hightower wants to go back to New England but he is waiting to see if the Patriots present him with a comparable offer to that of the Jets. Hightower’s heart is in New England but if the Patriots don’t step it up with a competitive offer, he may end up signing elsewhere.
2. The Saints are Courting Butla! The New Orleans Saints are meeting with Malcolm Butler later this week. Butler is a restricted free agent but the Saints can meet with him and offer him a contract.
If the Saints offer Butler a contract and the Patriots refuse to match it, New England could end up with the Saints first round pick, which is pick number 11.
It is highly unlikely New Orleans would forfeit the 11th pick of the first round so I am guessing that the two teams will continue to talk about a trade that would send Butler to New Orleans.
The Patriots don’t want to pay him elite corner money and the Saints could use an impact defender on the back end defensively.
3. Running Back Rex Burkhead Heads to New England: The 5-10 210 Burkhead has been career special teamer in Cincinnati but he should’ve an expanded role in New England. Burkhead will more than likely replace Brandon Bolden on the roster. I suspect he will get a few more carries than he did in Cincinnati.
The signing of Burkhead does not mean the Patriots wouldn’t entertain bringing back LeGarrette Blount. The Patriots would like to bring Blount back but they don’t want to commit to him for more than a year.