Malcolm Butler is looking to get paid but Hightower and Collins need to get paid first.

Someone needs to remind Malcolm Butler that there is a pecking order when it comes to getting paid in the NFL. Unrestricted free agents typically get paid before restricted free agents. While I understand he’s underpaid, he’s also under contract and has no leverage in this situation.

Don’t get me wrong. Butler deserves a new contract but now is not the time. Telling friends that you are “pushing” for a new contract won’t result in a new deal. The Patriots don’t operate that way, regardless of who the player is. Butler is going to figure that out sooner than later. 

There is no question that Butler has emerged as one of the best young corners in the NFL. Bill Belichick sees him being a big part of the team’s long term plans but he is in no hurry to give him a long term extension. He doesn’t have to so why should he. It’ll be interesting to see if Butler holds out of training camp. I don’t see it happening but this is the NFL in 2016. Players want to get paid while they are young and productive. Butler is no different.