Former All-Pro cornerback Malcolm Butler signed with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, but did not play a game for the team. He announced his retirement back in August.
On Thursday, the Cardinals announced that they are releasing Butler from the team’s reserve/retired list. And NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that he’s heard Butler is considering a possible NFL return.
The #AZCardinals have released CB Malcolm Butler from the reserve/retired list, per the wire. Will be interesting, especially if he wants to return. Had heard he’s considering it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2022
While Butler himself has not said that he is eyeing any sort of return to the NFL, it’s still notable to see that mentioned in this report. And that led to many fans of teams around the league speculating how Butler could possibly fit on their team.
I would approve. https://t.co/oxAgOmR1Qp
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) February 17, 2022
Belichick? https://t.co/Bm2wpUJti8 pic.twitter.com/hXi6rSE86w
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) February 17, 2022
Former #Titans CB on his way back after sitting out 2021? https://t.co/lneCpkx8Ly
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) February 17, 2022
Still shocked Patricia and Quinn never made this happen. https://t.co/5OGHyWCUYY
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) February 17, 2022
Butler is most well-known for his time with the New England Patriots, including making the game-winning interception for them against the Seattle Seahawks back in 2014. His latest stint on the field in the NFL came with the Tennessee Titans in 2020, where he played all 16 games for the team and had four interceptions during the regular season, then another one in their first playoff game that season against the Baltimore Ravens.
Butler is only 31 years old, so a return to the NFL is certainly a possibility if he goes that route. He cited personal issues when announcing his retirement before the 2021 season.
If those issues are in the past, we could potentially see Butler on a NFL field again soon. But it appears that it won’t be in Arizona.
[Ian Rapoport on Twitter; photo from Norm Hall/Getty Images]
