Skip to main content

Former Pro Bowl cornerback considering making interesting career move

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery02/17/22
On3 image
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals have released cornerback Malcolm Butler from the reserve/retired list, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport also noted in his tweet that he had heard that Butler is considering coming back to the NFL. The former Pro Bowl defensive back is 32 years old in March.

The former New England Patriots cornerback signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals last off-season, but decided to retire due to personal reasons. Now he’s apparently considering coming back to the league. There are some reports that even have him talking with the New England Patriots about a possible one-year deal.

Would the cornerback consider coming back to the Patriots? There are likely still some hard feelings for Butler. After all, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick decided to bench him for the entire game of Super Bowl LII. The Patriots would go on to lose that game to the Eagles.

During Butler’s seven seasons with the Patriots and the Titans, he played in 100 games. He racked up 17 interceptions, 82 passes defended, 406 tackles, and two touchdowns. He played much better when he was with New England. Butler was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015 and was named to New England’s 2010s All-Decade team.

Top 10

  1. 1

    LaNorris Sellers

    South Carolina QB signs NIL deal to return

  2. 2

    Justice Haynes

    Alabama transfer RB commits

    New
  3. 3

    National Championship odds

    Updated odds are in

  4. 4

    Urban Meyer

    Coach alarmed by UT fan turnout at OSU

    Trending
  5. 5

    CFP home games

    Steve Spurrier calls for change

    Hot
View All

There’s no question the highlight of Butler’s career came when he intercepted Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson during Super Bowl 49. He picked off the pass at the goal-line with 26 seconds left in the game, sealing the 28-24 win for the New England Patriots.

The former Patriots cornerback disappointed in Tennessee

The former Tennessee Titans cornerback struggled mightily during his time with them and was cut after just three seasons of a five-year contract. He signed a five-year, $61 million deal but unfortunately did not play to the level that everyone saw when he was with New England. Per PFF, Butler had a 74.2 grade since joining the Titans in 2018, ranking him as the 27th worst cornerback in the NFL.