Why Malcom Butler's potential return could cost Janoris Jenkins his job
Malcolm Butler's career is one of the more interesting careers to date. He's covered the entire spectrum; going from undrafted free agent, to Super Bowl hero, to big-time free agent signing, to cap casualty, and finally, to retiree. But apparently, his journey isn't over yet. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Butler was released from the […]
Malcolm Butler's career is one of the more interesting careers to date. He's covered the entire spectrum; going from undrafted free agent, to Super Bowl hero, to big-time free agent signing, to cap casualty, and finally, to retiree.
But apparently, his journey isn't over yet.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Butler was released from the NFL's reserve/retired list by the Arizona Cardinals Thursday and is now a free agent. Meaning, he can play for any team that is willing to take him in if he decides to play again. And per Rapoport, the word is Butler is considering a return to the NFL.
Why a return to the Titans makes sense
Butler signed a 5-year, $61.25 million deal with the Tennessee Titans back in 2018, which represents the largest contract of his career. He played three seasons out of the five before parting ways with Mike Vrabel and Co. after the 2020 season. Butler believes he had one of the best seasons of his career in 2020 and the numbers back that up. He finished with a career-high 100 total tackles and recorded four interceptions, which tied a career-high. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed the second-lowest quarterback rating (78.6) of his career, as well.
Butler was let go for monetary reasons, more than anything, which opens the door for a potential return in 2022.
This is because the Super Bowl XLIX hero proceeded to sign a one-year, $3.25 million deal worth up to $6 million a couple of weeks with the Cardinals after the Titans released him.
But, things quickly changed. Citing personal issues, Butler retired before the 2021 season began. Whatever issues they were must have been pretty serious. Especially when you consider he went through the entire offseason with the team before announcing his decision.
Butler's release from the Cardinals could be a gift for the Titans. Not only does Arizona no longer hold his rights, it also makes sense to think Butler will come cheaper than the $3.25 million deal he signed with Arizona. Butler also knows the Titans' system and would cost less than Janoris Jenkins, who counts $10.1 million against the cap this year. Per PFF, Jenkins allowed the ninth-highest quarterback rating among 32 qualifying corners when targeted (98.0).
Jenkins' release leads to $6.9 million in cap savings, meaning the Titans save at least $3.7 million if Butler were to sign a one-year, $3.25 million deal before incentives like he did with the Cardinals. And even though this is hypothetical, it's not unreasonable.
The Titans are hoping and relying upon the idea that Kristian Fulton and Caleb Farley will be the guys moving forward, but signing Butler and releasing Jenkins is a logical move that could create cap space for a team that is approximately $9.9 million over the cap when it comes to effective cap space.
It's unclear as to whether or not there is interest from the Titans' vantage point, but it doesn't omit the thought that a potential Butler return could cost Jenkins his job.
Featured image via-Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
