PHOENIX -- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Monday at the NFL's annual meeting that he hopes restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler returns to the team in 2017, and that the club doesn't intend to trade him.
The Patriots have tendered Butler at the first-round level, of $3.91 million. Butler hasn't signed the tender offer and has visited the New Orleans Saints.
"I know he has the ability to go out in the market and get someone to sign him, and then we either match it or get the first-round draft pick.