There’s mutual interest between Patriots and DT Adam Butler

Author Matt Dolloff

February 19th, 2021 2:11 PM

Defensive tackle Adam Butler is one of the Patriots’ key internal free agents to watch for 2021. According to Evan Lazar of CLNS Media, the Patriots want Butler back and there’s mutual interest in “orchestrating a return.”

Butler has developed into a solid rotational interior pass-rusher since signing with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He logged four sacks and seven QB hits in 2020, despite playing in only 47.3 percent of defensive snaps. The year before, he made a career-high six sacks and nine QB hits.

The Patriots could stand to add a more impactful talent on the defensive line instead of depending on Butler to be their top pass-rusher. Shortcomings in that group have been part of the Patriots’ downfall the past two seasons. But Butler is still a valuable piece that’s worth keeping. The Patriots would know what they’re getting and wouldn’t have to break the bank to retain Butler’s services.

MORE: 11 free agents to watch for the Patriots defense

Ty Anderson and I talked a lot about the Patriots’ offseason and what to do in free agency as part of a recent episode of the SideLines podcast. You can listen below, starting at 47:39.

MORE: The Patriots’ Most Important Internal Free Agents For 2021

• G Joe Thuney

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  Of all the Patriots' internal free agents, Thuney is the one who stands to make the most money. He played on a $14.7 million franchise tag and could make around that much on average with his next contract. The bright side is the Patriots have an emerging talent in Michael Onwenu, who played guard at Michigan, as a logical replacement for Thuney's departure. Belichick has a big decision here: lock up one of the best, most dependable left guards in football for big money, or go to the kid and take the compensatory pick next year.

• C David Andrews

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  One of the most consistent and dependable performers on the team during his career, Andrews rebounded nicely from missing the entire 2019 season to recover from blood clots. The Patriots have no logical internal replacement for everything that Andrews brings to his position and to the locker room. He may be in line for a raise on his next contract, but expect the Patriots to make a real push to retain him.

• DT Lawrence Guy

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  Bringing Guy back for 2021 is a no-brainer. He's been as consistent and dependable as anyone on the Patriots defense and won't come at a high cost. They could find a similar player to replace at least some of what he brings in free agency or the draft, but it may not be worth the risk when you know what you have with Guy.
• DT Adam Butler

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  Playing on an RFA tender in 2021, Butler logged four sacks, seven QB hits, and 38 total tackles in 15 games. He had a career-high six sacks and nine QB hits the year before. Butler has proven to be a solid interior pass-rusher for the Patriots and would make sense to retain on a low-cost extension.

• QB Cam Newton

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  Newton has to be on this list, because of the position he plays. The problem isn't so much how to replace Cam Newton, but whether or not he returns. There are whispers that it's possible he does. If not, the Patriots need a new quarterback, and preferably a significant upgrade over what Newton gave them on the field.

• Nick Folk

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  Bill Belichick isn’t afraid to use the franchise tag on a kicker. In fact, he tagged Adam Vinatieri twice - once in 2002 and the other in 2005. In an offseason with weak kicker classes in both free agency and the draft, bringing back the 36-year-old Folk may be the Patriots’ best option. The only potential downside is the contract is fully guaranteed, so if Justin Rohrwasser turns things around in camp, it would lead to the difficult decision of eating the whole contract, moving on from the young kicker, or keeping two kickers on the roster. (Projected K franchise tag: $4.7 million)
• RB James White

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  Is it possible White doesn't sign with the Bucs? Perhaps he feels settled in New England and doesn't want to uproot that situation. But if Damien Harris is ready to take on a bigger role in the passing game? It's possible that White's days as the go-to guy in those situations are winding down.

• WR Damiere Byrd

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  Byrd likely can't get much more than he did last season from the Patriots. But if he can find a nice long-term deal after leading all Pats receivers in snaps and posting career-highs in catches and yards, more power to him. If Byrd has more of a complementary role in the passing game instead of playing every snap, he'd be a welcome return. He works well for what he is.

• DE Deatrich Wise

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  It's not Wise's fault that the Patriots have tried to shoehorn him into roles that don't play to his strengths. He was better suited when the Patriots played more of a 4-3 defense up front and would still be better off in that kind of system. But he's also been a good solider throughout his time with the Patriots and can make plays as a pass-rusher. It's simply a question of where he fits at this point.
• CB J.C. Jackson

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  Jackson is a restricted free agent, so it's not the same situation as most free agents on the team. But after making a career-high nine interceptions in 2020, he'll be in line for a real contract at some point. Do the Patriots want to give him an extension now, or sign him to the tender and see how it goes for the next year.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

Follow the New England Patriots and the National Football League at 985TheSportsHub.com.

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Author Matt Dolloff

Category:

• Patriots
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Tags:

2021 patriots offseason,adam butler,Matt Dolloff,New England Patriots,NFL,nfl free agency