It all depends on how the press presents the issue, you see, a pro like Mike Reiss puts it in a different perspective, I'm glad he broke the news, otherwise would be nonsense noise like "Butler to hold out if not paid top CB money".
I agree with the general sentiment, he outplayed his current contract and is worth a raise. Hold out is a problem though, it doesn't solve a problem, just creates another one. But this is one of those cases that a extension may be better for both sides, including eliminating the risk of the player playing soft not to get hurt in order to not hurt his chances in the future market. The interception play was one of the best plays of all time, but there is no input in contract discussions, it was a hail mary, they don't count. His general play at the SB though did show he was special. And he didn't asked anything after that. He played a full season as a top CB in the game and established himself. Even though most of us want to see a little more, in the players perspective another full season is an eternity when it comes to this kind of negotiation.
He needs to get some security because things change fast in the NFL. At the same time, he should be grateful that he is in this position right now. He was this close to not even be a NFL player right now entering the league as an UDFA. He lucked out that (among his potential of course) he landed in a spot to learn and be evaluated by the wisest man in football, he got the opportunity and seized. It's not so rare for undrafted players or late round picks to be successful in the league, but every one of them must realize that once the opportunity to cash out some guaranteed money is there, they have to take it instead of gambling again, because they already won a ticket. Even though we say that draft position doesn't count, a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick even if they fail tend to stay a little more in the league, and that equals to money in the bank. That's not the reality for UDFA's and late rounders. Butler absolutely needs to give a hometown discount. Also, as pointed out, he is very good, but let's pump the breaks a little bit in the top 5 conversation.
Here's a few issues that I see in terms of contract years.
He is already 26 (I don't know if he's more closer to 27 or just celebrated another birthday, anyways..) so a 4 year contract would put him in the market around the age of 30, which is a cruel mark. 2 year deal makes no sense, as the Pats have him on the cheap for this time. So I think a 3 year contract makes the most sense so he would still get a chance for another payday which I think is what he wants, at the same time I don't see a lot of advantages for the Pats financially as they control the situation here, probably solves an immediate issue and rewards a good player but Belichick is a business man not a charity institution.
So if he was 24 a 3 or 4 year deal very reasonable contract would be something easy to get the parts in agreement. Then for his 2nd contract would be a free world, no one owes nothing to anyone. But at 26 it's a little more complicated. If there is time for a 4 year contract and hitting the market at 29 that would be his best scenario IMO, he would make his fair share of money right now and then bet in himself to get another big payday or at least a decent contract (remember, he may have not been in this position if picked by any other team in the NFL) so a decent contract in the NFL, although not top of the market, is still something he should not take it for granted. But again what do the Pats win here?
I don't know, maybe he gets a little bump right now and after another season if they feel he is the real deal, maybe a long term extension should be the discussion and Butler may have to realize that one big pay day is what he will get and he should not take this for granted. Also players still make money at 32/33 so he's not going to starve in life unless he pulls a Cromartie or Holyfield.
