New Orleans Saints: Case for and against signing Malcolm Butler
The New Orleans Saints almost had Malcolm Butler last offseason. Now, should they pursue him in free agency, or just simply move on by?
Malcolm Butler was one of the biggest questions marks for the New Orleans Saints. At first, it seemed like the team could lure him away from the Patriots. Ultimately, they failed and it looked like a closed case. However, Butler’s lack of playing time at the Super Bowl might spell the end of his time in New England and the Saints are a great option for the cornerback set to hit free agency.
A few days before the big game, Butler was asked about the Saints and he praised the team. Then the Super Bowl happened and where was the one-time Super Bowl hero? He was on the bench for all but one defensive snap. In a game where Butler was needed, he stayed seated. It was incredibly confusing for everyone including Butler. After the game, he was vocal in saying the Patriots gave up on him, and rightfully so.
While many have shut the door on Butler going to the Saints, it’s hard to ignore what just happened. Butler was under-utilized in the biggest game of the year and it probably cost the Pats the game. With the Super Bowl just barely over, the Saints would be dumb not to try to tempt Butler.
Surprisingly, the Saints have a lot of cap space. A majority of their roster is made of free agents, rookies, and guys, not in contract seasons. Once they figure out a deal for Drew Brees, the team has a good chance at being a contender for Butler.
Butler would bring security to the defense. After the mistake in Minnesota, it’s exactly what they need and someone who is used to competing at a high level. He adds another level of experience too as he’d be one of the older players on the team.
The case for Butler heading to New Orleans is solid, but so is the case against him. Looking at Butler’s 2017 stats, he finished the season with 60 combined tackles, two interceptions, and a sack — so not exactly what the Saints have been hoping for.
Looking at Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley, Butler pales in comparison. We also have yet to hear a solid reason for benching him. It could have been Bill Belichick’s decision or something Butler had even done off the field. With the Saints confidence and mentality, the last thing they need is someone bringing them down.
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Butler is going to cost the Saints a lot of money, too. They could be spending their money on multiple players or even, a bigger impact player. Butler seems like a good idea for the Saints on paper but ultimately not worth it.
The Saints defense was incredibly productive and adding a new dynamic could be disastrous. It’s fun to think of Butler ending on the Saints, but not realistic. If his time at New England ends, he should try somewhere other than New Orleans as his next stop.