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New York Jets: 3 Defensive players to consider in 2018 NFL Free Agency

By Stephen Smith

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots reacts in the fourth quarter during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots reacts in the fourth quarter during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

1. Malcolm Butler

We may never know why the 28-year old cornerback was benched in Super Bowl 52 but we do know that the four-year NFL veteran is probably the premier CB on the open market. Butler led the New England Patriots in defensive snaps in 2017 and is regarded as a true number one corner.

The former Pro Bowl performer (2015) had another strong season for the Pats last year with two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a sack. He added 60 tackles as well. Since he became a full-time starter in 2015, the West Alabama product has eight interceptions and 43 passes defensed for New England.

What Butler would bring to the Jets is a shutdown corner that they have not had since Darrelle Revis was in his prime. Morris Claiborne had an average season for Gang Green last season and may not return in 2018. Buster Skrine and Darryl Roberts are better suited as slot coverage defensive backs or backs that fit better in the nickel or dime.

Butler certainly has the ability to return to his Pro Bowl status. If general manager Mike Maccagnan is able to sign him, New York would quickly have one of the best secondaries in the league when you team Butler with safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. If Maccagnan follows that up by drafting a top corner like Denzel Ward or Joshua Jackson next month, now you’re really talking.

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