Reports: Matt Patricia Loves Malcolm Butler

Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, reporters asked Lions head coach Matt Patricia about Patriots CB Malcolm Butler.

Patricia wouldn't comment on the circumstances that lead to his Super Bowl LII benching. He did, however, talk about his personal feelings towards Butler.

"I love Malcolm a lot. He’s like all my players, he’s like one of my sons," Patricia said according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Butler has been the subject of speculation since the Super Bowl where he notably did not play on defense despite dressing for the game.The Patriots ultimately lost 41-33 in a record-breaking offensive game.

With his rookie contract expiring, Butler is an unrestricted free agent this off-season presumably looking for a new team. The Lions could use young promising talent like Butler in their secondary.

The Lions surprised pro-bowl CB Darius Slay with a contract extension before the 2016 season began. On the other side of the defense, Nevin Lawson is set for free agency. Meanwhile, Teez Tabor lurks in the depth chart for a shot at a starting gig.