Cardinals Agree to Terms with Cornerback Malcolm Butler

As the Arizona Cardinals added to their roster during free agency, needs were addressed. But one remained throughout the process: cornerback.

The team’s only remaining starter from that group was Byron Murphy. Robert Alford was cut and then signed by the team but hasn’t played over two years. Jace Whittaker and Picasso Nelson were practice squad members last year.

On Thursday, the team helped address that issue a bit by adding veteran corner Malcolm Butler on a one-year deal. 

The 31-year-old most recently played for the Tennessee Titans and spent four years with New England as well.

Butler’s most famous play of his career came at State Farm Stadium when he helped seal the Patriots’ Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks with an interception in 2015.

Over his seven-year career, Butler has intercepted 17 passes, defended 82 passes has 406 total tackles in his career.

General manager Steve Keim said fellow defensive back Byron Murphy thrives as a slot corner but could play on the outside as well. But even with the addition of Butler, the Cardinals may continue to address that position group in free agency, via trade or in next month’s draft.