Scott Zolak hinted Patriots are talking with Butler about signing an extension (w/ audio!)

[Gumby]

Just taught my daughter the "word" that is most appropriate on hearing this: BOO-YEAH!!!

It would be great and truly BBian to have used all that Saints interest to get Butler and agent into a realistic realm for a Win-Win extension.

Isn't it great to be a Pats fan, where even the offseason is full of kick-azz victories. Other teams are off lamenting giving up four picks to jump ONE slot or sitting around wondering 'exactly WHO is our starting QB?'. BB is working on securing his players for second or even third position in depth charts. LOL

 

[Ring 6]

This makes sense. Butler has had the opportunity to find out whether anyone was willing to sign him as an RFA. Butler has had the opportunity to find out whether the patriots traded him before or during the draft.

Now, we are in a different situation. The RFA period and the draft have passed. The basis for negotiations is now different. Two possible options have been passed.

The parties SHOULD see where they both stand now.

Butler also has at least one team that had told him what he could expect to make as a ufa next year.

 

[DaBronxPats14]

Sounds good, hope it works out.

 

[jah]

Who told Zolak? The liquor?

 

[BelichickFan]

Butler also has at least one team that had told him what he could expect to make as a ufa next year.

If you're talking about the Saints, as they drafted a CB at #11 that market may have changed for next year.

 

[Ring 6]

If you're talking about the Saints, as they drafted a CB at #11 that market may have changed for next year.

It still gives him an idea, and we don't know who else he spoke with.

 

[Tuck]

Well he did just buy a house in the area, so...

 

[zimmy]

Can someone explain exactly what Zolak said?

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Can someone explain exactly what Zolak said?

Unicorns! Show ponies! Where's the beef!

 

[TBR]

I wonder if they could lock him up for $10m per.

Factoring in the rest of the guys (Gilmore, McCourty, Harmon), that would put them in the range of what Denver, Seattle pay the starters in their secondaries (and most of those contracts were signed 2 years ago)

UPDATES on Butler situation: Butler wants to be "A Patriots for Life" AND "paid like a Top 10 CB"

Between Gilmore, Butler, McCourty and Harmon, the money spent in the secondary for just 4 players would average $36.7M/year, assuming Butler would get a contract that is $10M/per. That's 21% of the cap to 4 guys in the secondary. Would Bill do that?

Worth noting that Seattle averages $36.7M/year to Sherman, Thomas, Chancellor and Lane in the secondary.

Broncos (Talib, Harris, Stewart, Ward) average $30.6/year.

Worth noting that a lot of these guys like Talib, Harris, E Thomas, signed their contracts a few years ago and look like really good deals now.

 

[Thelonious]

I think those of us who said,"Hold on to him and work something out" are going to be vindicated quite soon. All the nervous Nellies desperate to trade him for unknown draftees were out to lunch. All is forgiven: grab a goddam snack.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

If the Pats could lock up Butler for Logan Ryan money, that would be outstanding.

I suspect Butler's agent will insist on a premium over what the Titans paid Ryan. This may drag out.

Regards,
Chris

 

[supafly]

We'll see. I'm hoping.

Exactly. Zolak specifically said, "I don't know that they're talking, but they could be."

Sounds like some hopeful speculation, to me. That won't stop us from running with it like it's real, of course.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Okay, so I just read the transcript, and it doesn't seem to me that Zo is saying they're talking. He references Butler's worth ethic and the fact that he's working very hard as qualities the Patriots must be noticing and that would entice or encourage an extension. He even says that he doesn't "know" that the sides are talking.

It's optimistic to expect a new deal at this point, especially considering I don't think we've heard that he's switched agents or fired his agent. Have we? Maybe I missed that. Otherwise, I think he's simply doing what is best for him and his prospects of landing a big deal next off season. That's exactly what he should be doing at this point. Moping about it isn't going to be how to figure out a way to set himself up for a better future. Go out, keep your head down, focus, work hard and ball out September thru February. Hopefully win another Lombardi, the third in four years. What else matters?

 

[Joey007]

Who told Zolak? The liquor?

He IS the liquor.

 

[varjao]

Makes sense in terms of timing but it doesnt make a whole lot of sense in terms of economics, for whatever reason BB has made a choice on Gilmore, and paying two top corners means one of them will be covering the other team #2 receiver, and the Patriots are well schemed to do that with their formations.

Nothing against that, but its something new. BB is always one step ahead in front of the league.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I think those of us who said,"Hold on to him and work something out" are going to be vindicated quite soon. All the nervous Nellies desperate to trade him for unknown draftees were out to lunch. All is forgiven: grab a goddam snack.

To be fair, given the situation, by all lights it appeared that he wanted out.

 

[Ivan]

Makes sense in terms of timing but it doesnt make a whole lot of sense in terms of economics, for whatever reason BB has made a choice on Gilmore, and paying two top corners means one of them will be covering the other team #2 receiver, and the Patriots are well schemed to do that with their formations.

Nothing against that, but its something new. BB is always one step ahead in front of the league.

I agree, I don't see them paying two corners as #1's, and o I don't see Butler taking a Logan Ryan deal. I'd love to see it get done but I just doubt it will. Hope I'm wrong, that would give them the best secondary in football for the next three years.

 

[Froob]

Lol watch the media go from"Butler got screwed, Mike!" to "UNBELIEVABLE they paid Butler that much!"

 

[Deus Irae]

Makes sense in terms of timing but it doesnt make a whole lot of sense in terms of economics, for whatever reason BB has made a choice on Gilmore, and paying two top corners means one of them will be covering the other team #2 receiver, and the Patriots are well schemed to do that with their formations.

Nothing against that, but its something new. BB is always one step ahead in front of the league.

Denver carried Peyton's ass for years, on the strength of a pass rush and 2 top CBs. The Patriots cap and personnel situation makes it affordable to follow that same pattern, defensively.