Malcolm Butler is a New England Patriot for 2017 after signing his restricted free agent tender. In his first comments this offseason, the cornerback isn't thinking about whether he'll be part of the team after this season.
"Can't predict the future," Butler said, via WEEI.com. "Whatever happens, happens. I can't control any of that. Everything is one day at a time. Just take it one day at a time. You can't predict the future, so just have to go with the flow."
Butler signed his $3.91 million tender after a dalliance with the New Orleans Saints, who declined to make formal an offer to the restricted free agent and couldn't work out a trade with the Pats.
"I'm here. This is my team," Butler said, per the Boston Herald.
Butler sought a huge payday this offseason, but when the Patriots elected to shell out a five-year, $65 million contract for free-agent corner Stephon Gilmore, it wiped out hope Butler would get a big deal from New England. Instead, the Super Bowl XLIX hero will play on the cheap in 2017.
Butler was asked Thursday about his reaction when the Patriots signed Gilmore.
"Nothing much, really," Butler said. "We got a better player. We got another player. We got another good player on this team. Anything to help the team win I am down with it ...
"The past is the past. I am just here to do a job and do anything to help the team win. Just moving forward. Whatever happens, happens."
The Patriots are loaded for a run at a sixth Lombardi Trophy this winter. After that, Butler will figure out his future.