Just a few hours ahead of the trade deadline, the New England Patriots have confirmed that they were still “open” to trading all-pro cornerback Malcolm Butler for more defensive help.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora tweeted the report that the Patriots may use their 2nd-round draft choice that they recently obtained in the Jimmy Garoppolo trade to go along with the star cornerback.
I also continue to hear the Pats still open to trading Malcolm Butler, who could be paired with that 2nd rnd pick for quality player
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 31, 2017
With the emergence of cornerbacks Johnson Bademosi and Jonathan Jones along with the great few games Stephon Gilmore played before his injury, trading Butler for all-pro talent elsewhere on defense would seem to make sense for the team as there are glaring needs for a pass rusher and another run-stopper.
The Patriots rank 24th in rushing yards allowed as well as ranking dead last in passing yards per game and it would be a shock if the team does not make a big move today to help their unit get better.