Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

Stay or Go: Colts Free Agency 2017 Edition

By Luke Schultheis

Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) celebrates with safety Mike Adams (29) after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) celebrates with safety Mike Adams (29) after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has a pass broken up by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has a pass broken up by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Darius Butler, Cornerback/Safety

Whether it was covering the slot or playing safety for the Colts, veteran defensive back Darius Butler was among their secondary’s best performers in 2016.

The 30 year old appeared in 12 games (7 starts) for the Colts, recording 33 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.

Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Steelers won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

While Butler has struggled playing on the outside at cornerback, he was once again very adept in coverage manning the slot. Not to mention, he had the most speed, ball skills, and coverage ability of any Colts safety–when transitioning to perhaps his new long-term position.

Per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Butler ranked as their 21st best cornerback with a +82.6 grade overall–playing predominantly in the slot.

Given his positional flexibility at both slot cornerback and safety, Butler should be one of the higher priorities this offseason for the Colts to re-sign. True ‘cover’ defensive backs at either slot or safety like Butler are always held at a premium.

Given his relatively low cap hit of $3M this past season and the fact that he’ll only be 31 years old (and should still have at least a few peak seasons left), Butler should be re-signed by the Colts–assuming the price is right.

Home/Colts News