As expected, Malcolm Butler is on his way out of New England. The soon-to-be free-agent cornerback intends to sign with the Tennessee Titans when contracts can become official on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network later tweeted the details of Butler’s big-time deal with Tennessee: five years, more than $61 million, more than $30 million guaranteed. That’s close to the $40 million guaranteed that Stephon Gilmore received from the Patriots a year ago.
Butler’s Patriots career ended on a strange, disappointing note as Bill Belichick benched him for all defensive snaps in Super Bowl LII. It’s a move that Belichick repeatedly said was made for football reasons. But the corner will best be remembered for his unforgettable game-sealing interception (and several other great plays) in a Super Bowl XLIX win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Malcolm Butler of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass by Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIX. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Patriots were never going to spend that much money on another cornerback. And at the same time, it’s clear that the end to Butler’s season didn’t hurt his ability to score a lucrative long-term deal and loads of guaranteed money.
Butler joins Danny Amendola among the Patriots players expected to officially depart when free agency kicks off at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.