New England Patriots 2016 Player Grade: Malcolm Butler
By Matty Simo
The New England Patriots got just everything they could have asked for from Malcolm Butler in 2016. So why did they consider trading him?
Cornerback Malcolm Butler was very good for the New England Patriots last season. Maybe too good. For those wondering why the Patriots would consider trading him off arguably his best campaign with the team, that is one answer to the question.
When it comes to grading the defensive secondary of any team, not hearing your name called out is a great thing. It means you were not continuously burned for big plays. You did not make mistakes in key spots. In other words, you did your job.
On a team where “Do Your Job” has become its mantra, Butler could not have performed much better than he did last season. He set a career high with four interceptions and made 63 tackles, four less than he had in his first full season as a starter in 2015. He also turned in his first career sack against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.
Most importantly though, Butler played all 16 regular-season games for the second year in a row. The former undrafted free agent significantly boosted his stock, and New England ultimately decided to hang on to him this offseason. That may end up being the best move the team makes considering his dedication in helping lead a young defense.
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Butler’s future with the Patriots remains up in the air after this season when he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. With newly-signed Stephon Gilmore on board for up to five years at $65 million, Butler likely will not make what he is worth unless he goes elsewhere.
Regardless, New England can only hope Butler performs as well in 2017 as he did in 2016. If he does, he will form the best cornerback tandem in the NFL with Gilmore — and become very rich in 2018.