New England Patriots: Malcolm Butler No. 99 on ‘NFL Top 100’ list
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler has gone from an undrafted rookie free agent to one of the top 100 players in the NFL.
Who said an unknown cornerback from West Alabama couldn’t make it big in the NFL? Not only has New England Patriots CB Malcolm Butler established himself as a top-notch defensive back, he is considered one of the best 100 players in the league.
As the first installment of the 2017 “NFL Top 100” series was revealed Monday night in an NFL Network special, Butler finds himself at No. 99.
Undrafted to Number 99 on the #NFLTop100!
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 2, 2017
CB @Mac_BZ pic.twitter.com/1pO5fw2Tyx
The timing is quite poetic. With all the drama surrounding Butler and his status with the defending Super Bowl champions, the announcement is recognition that the rest of the league considers Butler one of the best.
An undrafted free agent in 2014, Butler made a name for himself in Super Bowl XLIX. His game-saving interception at the end of the big game made him a hero. Butler took that opportunity and became the team’s No. 1 cornerback the following season and through the 2016 season.
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In those two seasons, Malcolm Butler not only emerged as a reliable top cornerback, he also became a leader on defense.
While he may even deserve a higher ranking based on performance over the last two seasons, the recognition is well deserved.
More money comes big problems
Malcolm Butler has been the ultimate Patriot since making the team in 2014. However, his caliber of play since his rookie season has garnered a contract standoff with the New England Patriots.
A restricted free agent entering the offseason, Butler was tendered by the team at $3.91 million. That tender and the two sides inability to come to an agreement on a bigger deal led to trade discussions between the Patriots and New Orleans Saints.
In part, Butler was hoping for an offer sheet from another team before signing the tender. While Saints coach Sean Payton hinted that the team was highly interested in Butler, talks never progressed beyond contract discussions.
With Malcolm Butler signing the tender prior to the NFL Draft and no trade occurring, he will prepare to play for the $3.91 million contract. Of course, there are many possibilities that can occur from now till the beginning of the season.
Butler could still be traded. He could also decide to hold out, which wouldn’t be smart for a top 100 player looking to land a big contract following the 2017 season.
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As for now, he is a member of the New England Patriots and together with Stephon Gilmore should make up one of the best if not the best cornerback tandems in the NFL.