They did not sign the tender in the hope to achieve a long-term deal with NE.
When they start shopping with other teams it's irrelevant.
Hes not going anywhere until NE says so.
Not signing the tender does not change the status of NE's control of the player.
Im getting the sense that you might be missing the nuance of the situation?
I don't think you understand what signing the tender does.
Right now, NE cannot stop him from negotiating with other teams. They also cannot stop him from signing a deal with other teams. If such a deal is signed, NE has 2 options: Match it or let him go for a #1.
If he signs the tender, he gives NE complete control over himself. They don't have to negotiate with any team they don' want to. They don't have to trade him if they don't want to. They get complete, 100% control of a guy with 1 year, $4 million left on his deal.
Thats my point. They are going to talk anyway. All the tender does is protect the player and the team.
At this point of the process, the tender does absolutely nothing to "protect the player" if Butler signs it
At this point, to BB its irrelevant if he signs the tender or not.
It may be irrelevant to BB, but it is NOT irrelevant to Butler. If Butler signs it, his activities with other teams is 100% frozen and EVERYTHING goes through the Patriots' front office.
If Payton wants Malcolm hes going to talk to BB anyway. If Payton wants Malcolm hes going to talk to talk to Malcolm anyway.
If Payton wants Malcolm, and is willing to pay the #11 for him, he doesn't have to say one word to Belichick. All he has to do is sign Butler and force Belichick's hand.
Face it: Signing the tender at this point in the process would be a stupid move for Butler. He loses a ton and gains nothing. Your only reply is he should sign the tender then violate rules against tampering by continuing to talk to other teams, which makes zero sense whatsoever.