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Patriots restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler has already visited with the New Orleans Saints to test his options. But Patriots owner Robert Kraft remains hopeful Butler will return to New England for 2017.

Kraft said Monday at the NFL owners meetings that New England's intention isn't to trade Butler to the Saints or anyone else this offseason. Kraft added he hopes Butler signs his restricted free agent tender, which has to be done by April 21.

"We have an offer sheet to him and I know he has the ability to go out on the market and get someone to sign him. And then we either match it or get the draft pick, the first-round draft pick.

"I'm rooting, I hope he's with us and signs his offer sheet and plays for us. I have a great affection for him. He actually was part of probably the greatest play in the history of our team."



Kraft added, "But there are a lot of people involved in that on both sides."

The Patriots already signed a high-priced cornerback this offseason already with Stephon Gilmore being the team's big splash at the start of free agency. The move doesn't seem to deter Kraft's desire to bring back Butler.

The Saints have made their intentions known that they want Butler. How will a Saints-Butler union occur remains muddy, though.

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