The New England Patriots are welcoming back one of their Super Bowl heroes. Veteran corner Malcolm Butler, who sealed the Super Bowl XLIX win for the Pats with a goal-line interception, agreed to contract with the franchise on Wednesday.
Butler will reportedly receive a two-year deal that will pay him $9 million in 2022 and 2023. The news was confirmed by the player’s agent Derek Simpson.
Butler started the 2021 offseason with the Arizona Cardinals but never suited up for the franchise. Instead, he decided to retire due to “personal reasons” and was placed on the reserve/retired list. The Cardinals released the 32-year-old player from the list in February, which paved the way for his return to New England.
The Patriots will be glad to have Bulter on board for 2022 since they are expected to have thinner secondary compared to the last year. A big reason for this is the departure of standout corner J.C. Jackson, who left in free agency to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers. Butler could serve as a straight replacement for Jackson although it is not excluded that the Pats make other moves.
Malcolm Butler entered the league in 2014 after signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of West Alabama. Butler spent four years with the Pats, winning two Super Bowl rings and becoming a Pro Bowl player. He left New England during the 2018 offseason to sign a multi-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Butler’s NFL career stats include 406 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 17 interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.
