It looks like restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler is not going anywhere and would most probably stay with the New England Patriots. That's good news for the New England Patriots and their fans. That's bad news, however, for Malcolm Butler.

During the NFL's Annual League Meeting for NFL team owners in Arizona on Monday, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that they do not intend to trade restricted free agent Malcolm Butler, according to a report from Larry Brown Sports. Malcolm is still currently without a team this off-season as most teams are not willing to take the risk of offering Malcolm Butler an offer sheet, especially with the New England Patriots still have the right to match any offer.

Speaking with reporters during the owner's meeting, Robert Kraft spoke fondly of Malcolm Butler and offered nothing but praise. When asked directly if the New England Patriots would trade Malcolm Butler, Robert Kraft answered no.

"I hope he's with us and signs his offer sheet and plays for us," Robert Kraft said. "I have a great affection for him. He was part of probably the greatest play in the history of our team. But there are a lot of people involved in that decision."

Robert Kraft also said that Malcolm Butler has the ability to go out in the free agent market and sign with any team. Either the New England Patriots match the offer or not and they would get that team's first-round draft pick in this year's draft.

Malcolm Butler, 27, has not yet signed the first round tender the New England Patriots placed on him before free agency opened earlier this month. If Malcolm Butler does sign the first round tender, he would just earn $3.91 million this season.

So far, only the New Orleans Saints have expressed interest in signing Malcolm Butler. Malcolm Butler visited the New Orleans Saints last week but no deal was no deal was done after the meeting, as reported by the Boston Globe.

Related