Detroit Lions rumors are all the rage in Motown as fans eagerly await the upcoming NFL Draft this April. Fans want to know if the Lions are interested in signing free-agent cornerback Malcolm Butler. With new head coach, longtime former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in charge, it seems to be a perfect fit, but are the Lions willing to shell out the big bucks to make it happen?

Patricia, Butler reunion in Detroit?

Matt Patricia has made it clear that he has a great relationship with Malcolm Butler, despite the cornerback's benching during the Super Bowl.

Why New England chose not to play arguably one of their best players on defense the entire game is still a mystery, however, could New England’s decision become Detroit’s gain?

According to a Freep report, Patricia declined to say if he had any regrets about how he handled Butler in the New England Patriots' Super Bowl 52 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Was it Patricia’s decision? Did something happen, internally, that both the Patriots and Butler don’t want to reveal? Did head coach Bill Belichick override Patricia and have the final say in holding out Butler? Usually, the head coach has the final say on his team, especially on which players are starting or sitting.

If the benching was ultimately Belichick’s decision, would Butler prefer to sign with a different team in 2018?

While no one knows the answers to these questions except the Patriots staff, Patricia sure seemed to give the impression that he and Butler are still close friends.

"I would characterize my relationship with Malcolm as extremely strong," Patricia said Wednesday at the NFL combine.

Patricia went on to say that he thinks of Butler as one of his sons, and hopes for nothing but the best for him as his career continues.

Those are some strong words, so obviously the new Lions head coach and the current free-agent have a great relationship. Well, what better way to make amends than to have a reunion?

Lions signing makes sense

While several teams will be interested in talking to Malcolm Butler, the Lions should definitely throw their hat into the ring.

Pairing up Butler alongside rising star Darius Slay could make Detroit's corners the best in the game. It would also bring a player with big game experience to a young team that is trying to learn how to win. The Lions are not far from being a contender in the NFC. Just look at how far Philadelphia came in one season. Adding a player like Butler could help make this team a ton better in 2018.
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