By John Sarianides

The Malcolm Butler saga has now entered week three and we still don’t know if the beleaguered cornerback will be in a Patriots uniform next season.

Butler visited with the Saints last week and the peramters of a long term deal were discussed but the Saints did not sign Butler to a contract.

New Orleans wants to sign Butler but they don’t want to give up the 11th overall pick in the upcoming draft. 

Instead, the Saints have talked to the Patriots about trading for Butler. The 32nd pick which the Saints acquired from the Patriots for Butler has been discussed but nothing can happen until Butler signs his $3.91 million dollar tender for next season.

Once Butler does that, the Patriots can then trade him. The question is. Would they trade him for the 32nd pick? I don’t think they would. Belichick wouldn’t mind moving Butler if it meant recouping a pick or a player of equal value but he won’t take less than that for Butler. The 32nd pick in the first is taking less for him.

The longer this goes on, the more likely it is that Butler is in a Patriots uniform next season. That might be what Patriots fans want but it might not be what is best for the organization long term.