The New England Patriots opened up mandatory minicamp Tuesday and, while he was not present for the team's voluntary organized team activities back in May, cornerback and Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler was back on the field with his teammates. 

Butler was swarmed by the media, today, as there was speculation that his absence on May 26th was related to his desire for a restructured and more favorable contract, as he is entering the final year of a modest, three-year rookie deal he signed to start his career.

Butler said that his absence at the voluntary OTA was not because of a "hold-out" type situation, but rather that he had "family issues." He also declined to comment on whether he felt he deserved a new, big money deal.

After his game-saving interception in Super Bowl XLIX, Butler put together a solid second year in New England. With the departure of both Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, Butler stepped into a starting role for the team and quickly became one of the league's top defensive backs, earning a Pro Bowl appearance and consistently drawing the assignment of covering the opponent's top receiving option.

 

 

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