Former Tennessee Vols defender surprisingly among final NFL roster cuts
A former Tennessee Vols defender was surprisingly among the final NFL roster cuts on Tuesday afternoon. Defensive lineman Matthew Butler, who played for the Vols from 2017 to 2021 (meaning he played for Butch Jones, Jeremy Pruitt, and Josh Heupel), was part of the Las Vegas Raiders' final roster cuts. Butler was drafted by the […]
A former Tennessee Vols defender was surprisingly among the final NFL roster cuts on Tuesday afternoon.
Defensive lineman Matthew Butler, who played for the Vols from 2017 to 2021 (meaning he played for Butch Jones, Jeremy Pruitt, and Josh Heupel), was part of the Las Vegas Raiders' final roster cuts.
Butler was drafted by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Athletic's Vic Tafur, who covers the Raiders, was expecting Las Vegas to give Butler another season (he could still end up on their practice squad).
It was a bit of a surprise to see Butler get waived after the clip of him destroying a Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman went viral earlier this month.
Butler played in just six games as a rookie for the Raiders last season.
The former Vol should find another opportunity in the NFL (assuming he doesn't land on the Raiders' practice squad). Interior defensive lineman with Butler's size aren't easy to find which is why it seems likely that he'll get another chance in the NFL.
Update:
The Raiders are reportedly signing Butler to their practice squad.
Recent college football news suggests that Tennessee narrowly avoided disaster earlier this summer
Could’ve been disastrous for Tennessee Football
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
