Where Does Colts Signing Patrick Robinson Leave Darius Butler?

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) breaks up a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) breaks up a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts finally made free agency headlines earlier this week, when the team announced that they had reached a 3-year, $14M deal with cornerback Patrick Robinson.

The interesting thing about Robinson is that he’s really comfortable in coverage against the slot, a role that Darius Butler has played for the Colts secondary as their nickelback over the past few seasons:

It initially raised some questions from Colts nation wondering what this ultimately meant for Butler’s role going forward–perhaps even whether he’d see a reduced role next season:

The 30 year old Butler is set to enter the last year of his contract with the Colts and has a $2.5M cap hit for 2016. Could he be on the way out?

Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) and running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rest on the bench during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Tampa Bay 25-12. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) and running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rest on the bench during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Tampa Bay 25-12. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Right now, it doesn’t look that way–at least not for next season.

Specifically, general manager Ryan Grigson cleared up some of the confusion in a press release immediately following the signing, as Robinson will be starting on the other side of standout cornerback Vontae Davis:

"“He is a versatile, experienced and steady corner that gives us immediate help opposite Vontae [Davis],” said Grigson. “He was a fit on a number of levels in regards to overall skill, but also adds some strong intangibles. We’re happy with this addition to our team.”"

While Robinson was exceptional covering the slot last season, it doesn’t mean that he’s not a quality cornerback on the outside either:

"“He allowed just 8.9 yards per catch, which was the best for cornerbacks thrown at 40 or more times last season,” writes PFF’s Nathan Jahnke. “He would play outside in San Diego’s base defense at times, and then would play in the slot in the Chargers’ nickel.”"

Aug 29, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Patrick Robinson (26) before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Seattle won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Patrick Robinson (26) before the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qualcomm Stadium. Seattle won 16-15. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

That doesn’t mean that Robinson won’t occasionally kick inside either–perhaps depending on the opposing matchup. However, he’ll likely be playing predominantly on the outside, which means that Butler fans can likely breath a sigh of relief for the time being.

For instance, against a team like the New England Patriots, where wideout Julian Edelman routinely wreaks havoc in the slot–maybe the Colts consider deploying one of their assumed best cornerbacks like Robinson in the slot given the Patriots lack of elite wideouts elsewhere.

Either way, it’s a good problem to have for the Colts that both Robinson and Butler are comfortable covering the slot. It gives Chuck Pagano’s defense additional flexibility in their secondary matchups, as well as an extra insurance policy in case injuries should arise to either slot cornerback.