Report: Saints, Butler have parameters of deal 'mostly' in place

The New Orleans Saints slowly appear to be working toward a deal that would see the club make a massive upgrade in the defensive backfield.

After hosting New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler on a restricted free-agent visit, the parameters of a contract agreement between player and team are "mostly" in place, Mike Giardi of CSN New England reports.

Signing Butler to an offer sheet that the Patriots elect not to match would require that New Orleans gives up a first-round pick as compensation.

In the likely event that the No. 11 overall selection is deemed too significant of a price tag, Butler would presumably first sign his tender with the Patriots so that the two teams can negotiate terms of a trade.

The Saints could then lock Butler up with the kind of long-term deal that's already been discussed.

Butler has since emerged as one of the league's most consistent cornerbacks since making the game-winning interception on the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX as an undrafted rookie.

Any long term deal, be it in New Orleans, New England, or elsewhere, would have to pay him accordingly.

The 27-year-old has racked up six interceptions, 32 passes defensed, and 130 tackles while starting all 32 games over the last two seasons.