Veteran cornerback Malcolm Butler signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. Butler spent the 2020 season with the Tennessee Titans.
Cardinals announced they agreed to terms with former Titans’ CB Malcolm Butler on a one-year contract.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2021
Malcolm Butler, Arizona Cardinals, Agree to Contract
Butler started all 16 games with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans were a playoff team and enjoyed an efficient defensive season from the former Super Bowl winner. The star cornerback snagged four interceptions from opposing quarterbacks. Butler also recorded career highs with 86 solo tackles, one of which was for loss. The defensive star was not as prevalent in quarterback pressures, held without a sack or a quarterback hit during 2020. Butler also defended the pass well as he yielded a staggering 10.9 yards per target.
Butler’s two previous seasons in Tennessee were less consistent. In 2019 he started nine games with two interceptions and 25 solo tackles. In 2018, the defensive back started in 11 of 16 games played with three interceptions and 60 solo tackles. During the 2019 season he was targeted only 460 times giving up 8.1 yards per target. Butler also surrendered a passer rating of 91.3 during the 2019 season.
Before joining the Titans, Butler played for the New England Patriots. In four seasons, Butler had 17 interceptions and 344 solo tackles. He also started 48 out of 49 games played for the Patriots.
Butler’s career defining moment came in 2015, when he made the biggest play of his career. Butler stepped in front of Ricardo Lockette’s slant route, intercepting Russell Wilson’s pass with 20 seconds left on the clock. The Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 after what looked like a sure victory for Wilson and crew.
Before beginning his NFL career with New England, Butler bounced around in college. He started at Hinds Community College in 2009 before being kicked off the team after the fifth game of the season. Butler transferred to Alcorn State University before being invited back to join Hinds Community College for his sophomore season. He played his last two seasons at the University of West Alabama. The star defensive back entered the NFL as a free agent, after receiving an invitation from the Patriots. He impressed the coaching staff and signed a three year, $1.53 million contract.
