According to the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe, the Patriots have placed a first-round tender on restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler. That would make his salary for the 2017 season $3.91 million.
The Pats also reportedly extended tender offers to tight end Matt Lengel, offensive tackle Cameron Fleming and cornerback Justin Coleman.
Coleman and Lengel’s tenders essentially ensure they’ll be back if the Pats want them, as they are both exclusive rights free agents, meaning they can only sign with their current team.
Fleming, a 2014 fourth-rounder who is set to be a restricted free agent, was given an original round tender, meaning the Pats would receive a fourth-round pick if they choose not to match an offer sheet signed with another team.