Few could have predicted this after Super Bowl LII.
According to a league source, Malcolm Butler has agreed with the Patriots on a two-year contract.
Butler was last seen in a Patriot uniform in early 2018, when his team lost to the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Butler only played one snap in that game, on special teams. This reunion may lead to some entertaining – or awkward, or both – press conferences, but these are clearly patriots trying to satisfy a pressing and blatant need. Their quarterback room prior to signing with Butler consisted of Jalen Mills, Terrence Mitchell, Jonathan Jones, Miles Bryant, Jojuan Williams, Sean Wade and special teams ace Justin Bethel.
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Now the question is, how exactly can Butler help?
Butler retires from football for a year, citing personal reasons for his decision to leave the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to that, he played for the Titans for three years. One NFL appraiser who closely scrutinized Butler’s 2020 film had this to say about what he saw: “Twitchy. Good speed. Good ball skills. Good instincts.”
In short, not so different from what Butler exhibited during his time in New England. But now he’s 32 and suspended from the NFL for a year.
For the Patriots, if he’s the same player he was two seasons ago, Butler provides starting-caliber borderline corner play. This was perhaps their most urgent lineup need on Wednesday. This is a position the Patriots could very well deal with later in the offseason, perhaps through a trade or draft.
While the Butler may have enough speed to keep out, the Patriots may still be looking to add some speed to their defense. They added some at linebacker level by trading Mac Wilson. But in the secondary, the group is not yet loaded with burners.
Jonathan Jones’ recovery from injury will help as he is arguably the fastest player on the Patriots’ roster, but getting players capable of matching the pace represented in the AFC will be critical.
The Patriots needed more speed before Tyreke Hill was sold to the Dolphins, and now it’s even more important. The addition of Butler – while a potentially effective acquisition – is likely not enough to address the speed issue in 2021.