Free agent defensive back Darius Butler hasn’t been able to reach a contract to stay with the Colts, and will now begin taking visits with other clubs, tweets Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.
Butler, a former second-round pick, had played cornerback for most of his career before transitioning to safety in the middle of last season. He wants to continue playing deep, as he told Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star last week, and that’s presumably how Butler is marketing himself to potential suitors. Pro Football Focus still graded Butler among corners in 2016, and the 30-year-old finished as the league’s No. 20 CB.
Butler, who appeared in 12 games (seven starts) for Indianapolis, ranks as PFR’s No. 48 overall free agent. Among safeties, we placed him fourth thanks to his coverage ability.
Can he still play special teams at his age and play 16 games? With a deep draft class where 95% of DBs will play special teams, it’s gonna be a hard fight for Butler. He’d make a good fit in Carolina or San Diego too
Sure, 95% of roomie DBs will play special teams, but how many can play both corner and safety at a proven level? I think a team will take a shot at him considering he could slot in as bonus depth at both DB positions.
I could see him going to NE too if they let Malcom Butler go.