"I'm just here to do a job and do anything to help the team win," he said. "I'm just moving forward, and whatever happens, happens. You've just got to come here and just play football. You've got to earn everything you want. You've just got to come here and work hard every day. Nobody's going to give you nothing, just come here, work hard and play."

As for attending OTAs, which are voluntary, Butler offered some insight as to his decision to attend. "Wasn't gonna hurt anybody but myself if I missed this," he said. "This is extra time to get better, and that's what I'm out here to do. To get better and have another great year. Anything to help the team. Present a positive image."

While Butler will play the 2017 season on his $3.91 million restricted free agent tender, Gilmore landed a five-year, $65 million deal to leave Buffalo for New England. Butler paused for a moment when asked what went through his mind when he learned about the Gilmore signing.

"Nothing much, really. We got a better player. We got another player. We got another good player on this team," he said. "Anything to help the team win, I'm down with it." Interestingly, he referred to Gilmore as "underrated" and "one of the best guys in the league."

On Thursday Gilmore took most if not all his reps on the right side while Butler manned his normal left spot. Jonathan Jones entered as the third corner and worked in the slot depending on formations and offensive personnel groups.

"Wherever they put me, I'm going to play that role," Butler said. "I'm ready to play the slot if that's what it is."

Gronk in the house

These OTAs have been the first chance to see Rob Gronkowski was back in uniform for the first since Nov. 27 when he left the Jets game with a back injury and ultimately wound up undergoing surgery after landing on IR. The tight end caught a bunch of passes, many in the end zone during some red zone work, but he did appear to do some extra stretching at times, seemingly working some kinks out.

Gronkowski declined to speak to reporters after practice so he was unable to provide any comment on his recent contract restructuring that saw him gain the ability to earn several million in incentives.

"He looks like Gronk," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said before practice. "He's involved in everything. He's doing a good job of being a leader and a positive influence."

At lacrosse roads

Gillette Stadium is hosting the NCAA men's and women's lacrosse championships over the weekend and the Boston College women's team is among those participating. The group was welcomed on the field and spent time chatting with Belichick on the sideline.