So many subtexts running right under this story for so long now. Hard to figure out what is fact and speculation. There is very little in the way of facts. We know his contract situation. When he signs the contract he will be a Patriot for the current season baring a trade. He wil make $4MM. That is it. Everything else is pure speculation.
Very interesting about Trufant's contract, though I would caution on those first accouts of what the contract is. They usually come back at less real money once the mask has been uncovered. But no doubt is a big contract and the kind of deal Butler's agent thinks he should be getting. Eventually Butler and his agent are going to get get that every one of these CB who are getting this kind of deal is someone who put in at LEAST 4 years of service. It just isn't their time now.
One of the subtexts that can be mentioned is the POSSIBILITY that the Pats feel they have Butler's replacement already on the roster in CJones. He certainly has the physical skills to be as good. By keeping Butler this season the Pats lessen the risk of being wrong on Jones, at the same time giving him another season to grow mentally into his game
Let us not forget that it has long been the Patriots way to handle big contracts in this way for certain positions. If Butler is going to cost $12-13MM/yr in 2018, the Pats would be willing to play that season with a CJones at the other CB at 90% of Butler's ability, but 25% of the money. They'll do it almost every time
Also remember this. It's not just about 1 CB or 2, or even 3. To play competitively in the secondary these days iu the NFL, you really need to have 4 CB's prepared to play at all times, because all 4 will get significant snaps, not to mention the need for good depth, because it will be a rare season before we see no significant injuries at CB again.
