NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 10: Cornerback Malcolm Butler #21 of the Tennessee Titans signals to the sidelines during their AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Nissan Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Ravens defeated the Titans 20-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers could move on from Kevin King, and a great replacement just hit free agency.
Financial losses during a bizarre league year have put NFL teams in a tough spot, with general managers doing everything they can to get under the cap. The Tennessee Titans are no exception, as they released Malcom Butler just three years after he signed a five-year, $61 million contract. Releasing Butler frees up $10.2 million in cap space, so the Titans had their reasons despite relatively good production from the former New England Patriots Super Bowl hero.
Butler finished last season with four interceptions (tied for a career high), 14 passes defended and 100 tackles in 16 games. He’s no slouch, and should have plenty of suitors on the free agent market.
Malcolm Butler would be a great fit with the Green Bay Packers.
King’s value deteriorated in 2020 after a stellar 2019 season. Per Pro Football Reference, he allowed 63.2 percent of passes to be completed in his coverage, with quarterbacks earning a 96.2 passer rating throwing his way. That’s…not good enough, period.
Butler offers a far more consistent force on the outside. Plus, he’s coming off a career-best in interceptions and is a reliable tackler on the back-end. With Green Bay opting not to franchise tag Aaron Jones, they have some payroll flexibility they wouldn’t have otherwise had available. Of course, there’s still a few moves to be made before they can afford a player like Butler, but Brian Gutekunst is heading in the right direction.
As much as the Packers should invest in weapons for Aaron Rodgers, Butler is a luxury, and one even the 2020 MVP would appreciate on the opposite side of the ball.