default-cbs-image

That reported contract dispute between Malcolm Butler and the Patriots might already be over. According to the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe, Butler will attend OTAs this week after skipping the voluntary practices last week.

ESPN's Mike Reiss had previously reported that Butler told teammates he planned "to push for an adjustment to his contract before the 2016 season and staying off the field in voluntary workouts would be a decision that limits injury risk and also could be viewed as a statement to the organization ... " But, as Howe wrote on Tuesday, Butler's absence wasn't related to his contract.

Here's an excerpt from Howe's article:

The Herald was given a strong indication Butler's absence last week was not related to his contract. Furthermore, Butler doesn't want to draw any added, unnecessary attention to himself this offseason, particularly as it relates to his contract, after last offseason when he missed a flight and reported late for OTAs.

That's good news for the Patriots. Everyone, by now, knows Butler because of his interception in the Super Bowl, but Butler is more than just a one-play wonder. After Darrelle Revis left for New York following that Super Bowl, Butler filled his void with two interceptions and 15 passes defended this past season.

This is impressive:

Of course, that statistic above is also why Butler might've wanted to hold out in hopes of gaining a better contract. In 2016, Butler is set to earn $600,000 in the final year of his deal. For a cornerback of his caliber, that's not ideal. And when his contract expires, he'll become a restricted free agent, which gives the Patriots all the leverage in negotiations.

So, yeah, Butler shouldn't have been faulted even if he had been plotting a holdout. He also shouldn't be faulted for not engaging in a contract fight with Bill Belichick, who has never hesitated to shockingly deal away key players.

usatsibutler53116.jpg
Malcolm Butler will reportedly show up for OTAs this week. USATSI