The New England Patriots have signed restricted free agent Malcolm Butler to a first-round tender, though he could still be on the move, per Field Yates of ESPN.
As Doug Kyed of NESN noted, no offer sheet has been made, and the transaction allows the team to discuss trades.
This removes the opportunity for Butler to sign as a free agent with another organization.
In March, Michael Giardi of CSN New England reported Butler was "frustrated" by the Patriots' position and wanted to play elsewhere. Albert Breer of The MMQB said in April it was "more likely" Butler would end up in New Orleans than New England, via CSN New England.