This is where I'm at; the only thing this situation tells me is that the media has no idea how negotiations work.This is the wierdest story of the offseason. Butler has zero leverage. Saints fans and writers running around saying "Ha! Pats aren't getting 11 for Butler!" With little knowledge or regard for the RFA rules.
Butler will be a Patriot next year. This is as anticlimatic as the Hightower situation.
Say you're Butler's agent. You have no leverage, and you know it. Your client wants a big deal. How do you get leverage? Most straightforward answer: act like you have zero intention of signing with the Patriots. Get it out there that Butler was pissed at the contract given to Gilmore, but not him. Get the media start talking about how he feels wronged. Then start meeting with other teams. Everyone says a team would be crazy to give Butler his payday while also giving up their first round pick.... but they're still meeting with him, and no one knows what's being discussed. Hopefully you spook Belichick into giving Butler the big contract. If you don't, what have you lost? Play on the tender and do it again next year, with UFA leverage.
I don't think it'll work (cause BB's a pro), and maybe Butler's agent doesn't think it'll work, but why wouldn't you try? It's already worked on the media, and half the fan base, who would've given Butler his payday weeks ago. It's playing hard ball, but that's the way it is.