FIrst of all this is a complete apples to organge thing. Alford was in the final year of his rookie contract. A 2nd pick who in in his 4 season, and canbe a UFA next March. Butler is RFA in his 3rd season (2nd starting). The Pats can tender him with a first round tender of about $3.7MM and still have the opportunity to match any offer. Where the leverage lies is completely opposite.
Here are Butler's issues -
a. His size - He isn't ideally sized, nor is he very big. Teams what to play big money to CB's who can match up with the ever increasing 6'4 WR's coming into the league. You'd liike t think that your top QB will be at least 6'
b. He's a bit older. In fact he's only a year younger than Gronk (26)
c. So at his size and age, ANY slippage in his physical play will be very hard to recover from.
On the plus side
1. He has great quickness and smooth hips
b. He has recovery speed
c. Great leaping ability
d.GREAT tackler
e. pound for pound he could be the hardest hitter on the D
I'd say he's a top 10 CB in this league with at least as many intangible benefits as skill ones. Due to his size, when he starts to loose a bit off his fast ball, I think he will slip fast.
The Pats have 3 choices right now.:
1. The give him a first round tender. Hand him over a 600% raise an put this off for another year and mover on.
2. Try to make a team friendly deal now in the 3 year for $30MM range with a team option for a 4th. Maybe not top dollar, but a 3000% raise and financial security for life.....with a team he totally fits in with.
3. Give him a market deal right aftet the season In the 10-12MM ranger/yr
Personally I THINK they will try #2 and then fall back to #1 and play it out again for another year.