PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Patriots owner Robert Kraft certainly doesn't want to split up with cornerback Malcolm Butler.
Butler, a restricted free agent, spent two days with the Saints this month to check out the facility, meet with coach Sean Payton and negotiate a contract. There's a major hold-up at this point, though, as the Saints don't want to sign Butler to an offer sheet and risk their 11th overall draft pick. And the Patriots don't want to trade Butler because they hold the majority of the leverage.
Butler's situation could be resolved in any number of ways, but Kraft hopes it ends with the Super Bowl XLIX hero remaining in New England.