Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler could now become a major acquisition target.
It would take an extremely rare move for a competitor to swipe Butler from the Pats, but 31 teams can begin giving him offer sheets when free agency begins today at 4 p.m. However, as a restricted free agent with a first-round tender, a rival team would have to be willing to send the Patriots their 2017 first-round pick draft for Butler’s services. Such a first-round tender takeaway hasn’t happened since 2003 when the Redskins gave the Jets a first-rounder for wide receiver Laveranues Coles.
But this is a unique market.