New England Patriots: 3 biggest disappointments during training camp
New England Patriots disappointment No. 2: Terrance Mitchell and Malcolm Butler can’t earn roster spots
The Patriots suffered one of the bigger losses this offseason when they lost J.C. Jackson to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Jackson is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and the Patriots didn’t do a ton to replace him. Among the players that figured to factor into the mix when it came to replacing Jackson were free agent signings Terrance Mitchell and Malcolm Butler.
Yet when Week 1 rolls around, neither player is going to be suiting up. Mitchell and Butler had inside tracks to roster spots, but both of them never seemed to make a serious push for a job. Butler was released with an injury settlement, while Mitchell ended up getting cut but brought back onto the practice squad.
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Both Mitchell and Butler got thoroughly outplayed by the guys behind them on the depth chart. Mitchell had a chance to earn a starting job alongside Jalen Mills, but ended up watching Jonathan Jones, who’s primarily been a slot corner throughout his career, run away with the job. 2022 draft picks Marcus Jones and Jack Jones both flashed throughout camp as well, and chances are one of them will be the starting slot guy when the defense first takes the field against Miami.
Butler admittedly had a bit worse luck with his injury, but given that he reached an injury settlement and could return at some point this season, it seems unlikely that he would have played any sort of role with the 2022 Pats. Overall, it was pretty disappointing to see both of these guys fail to make the roster, and the Patriots will be hoping their young cornerback depth chart will be able to hold up against some of the potent offenses they will face this season.