New England Patriots considering Malcolm Butler for Brandin Cooks swap

March 9 (UPI) -- Pro Bowl cornerback Malcolm Butler could be headed to the Bayou if a possible trade pans out.

The New England Patriots are considering a trade of Butler for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks, according to reports. The Patriots previously offered the No. 32 pick in the NFL Draft to the Saints in exchange for the wide receiver, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

ESPN's Dianna Russini was the first to report the Patriots' interest in a trade involving Butler. Butler is a restricted free agent whom that Patriots placed a first round tender for $3.9 million on Wednesday. The Patriots also picked up Stephon Gilmore Thursday, making a move from Butler more probable.

Butler, 27, had a career-high four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a sack in 2016. He earned his first Pro Bowl nod last season. Cooks, 23, is a brilliant playmaker who would fit in perfectly with the Patriots. He had 1,173 yards and eight scores on 78 receptions last season, including a league-long 98-yard touchdown reception.

Cooks is due $781,599 with a $781,599 roster bonus, next season. He has also been linked to the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles.