Patriots Tender Butler $3.9M

The new year on the NFL calendar begins tomorrow and the New England Patriots have tendered restricted free agent corner back Malcolm Butler to the tune of $3.91 million dollars.

That is the highest amount possible and gives him a big raise in pay from last year's $600,000 salary.

But, it doesn't prevent another team from making Butler an offer.

When free agency starts tomorrow at 4 p.m., other teams can sign him to an offer sheet and if the Patriots don't match it, he can leave and the Patriots get a first round draft pick.

All of this also means the Patriots and Butler appear far apart on a longer term deal.