The Patriots picked the right time to get out of the Malcolm Butler business.
The debate this offseason after Butler signed with Tennessee was posed by Greg here: Either the Titans or Patriots made a huge mistake when it comes to Butler. Were Mike Vrabel, Jon Robinson and Tennessee wrong to break the bank to the tune of five years and $61.3 million (with $24 million guaranteed) to sign away a New England folk hero? Or would the Patriots regret letting him walk?
And now, two months into the 2018 season, it’s clear who ended up winning that deal: New England.
Stephon Gilmore has had a terrific year, and while there’s been a rotating cast of No. 2 corners, if Sunday’s win over the Packers is any indication, Jason McCourty has now slipped seamlessly into a support role while Jonathan Jones continues to be serviceable in the slot. Malcolm Who?
Let me be clear — it hasn’t been perfect for the Patriots on defense. But when you think about the risk/reward aspect of that contract and how the season has gone to this point for both parties, the decision on Butler goes into the “W” column for Bill Belichick. I'm not sure if the coach knew something about Butler his old linebacker didn't, but it sure looks like he got the better of Vrabel with this one.
Consider the totals: Pro Football Focus has Butler him as one of the worst corners in the league. According to Next Gen Stats, Butler has been the nearest defender in coverage on six touchdowns, second-most in the NFL, including a pair of touchdowns Monday night against the Cowboys.
Touchdown Cowboys against Malcolm Butler again! pic.twitter.com/1W0DFDnQkW
— MyBookie Sportsbook (@betmybookie) November 6, 2018
COOOOOOOOOOP!
That's SIX.
?: #TENvsDAL on ESPN #SaluteToService pic.twitter.com/woIej2zuAw
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2018
Jordan Matthews is back with the #Eagles and he's contributing in a big way. He runs right by Malcolm Butler for a 56-yard TD.pic.twitter.com/SxFT21gX6d
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 30, 2018