Predicting the Landing Spot for Top Potential 2018 NFL Free Agents
By Jon Dove
Malcolm Butler
Current Team: New England Patriots
Franchise Tag Likelihood: Low
Predicted New Team: Detroit Lions
There were plenty of rumors that the New England Patriots were shopping Malcolm Butler this past offseason. They were unable to finalize a deal but the writing is on the wall. New England will have a hard time giving Butler a big contract after signing Stephon Gilmore last offseason.
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Butler is a very effective and talent player. He has the potential to be the No. 1 cornerback on many teams in the league. The Detroit Lions would be one of the teams were he would step into that role.
Detroit currently has Darrius Slay as their top cornerback. He is a very good player, but adding Butler to the mix would strengthen the entire secondary. It would also give someone like Ziggy Ansah more time to rush the passr.
Ansah is someone I was going to include on this list, but there is no way the Lions let him hit the open market. He will either get a new long-term deal or receive the Franchise Tag.
Butler not only fits with the Lions but has a connection to the front office. The Lions General Manager, Bob Quinn, was with the Patriots when Butler was added.