An important free agent addition of the Arizona Cardinals is hanging up the cleats just five months after signing with his new team. On Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that cornerback Malcolm Butler is dealing with a "personal situation," and that stepping away from the game is "on the table." ESPN's Adam Schefter has since reported the Cardinals have placed Butler on the reserve/retired list, confirming his decision.
Garafolo reported that Butler has been away from the facilities over the last week as is still trying to work his way through an off-field issue. Butler signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals this offseason that is worth $3.25 million to make up for the loss of Patrick Peterson. He will of course be remembered as the hero of Super Bowl XLIX for the New England Patriots, as he picked off Russell Wilson at the goal line with just seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Butler spent the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, and the 31-year-old turned in one of his best seasons in 2020. In 16 games played, he recorded a career-high 100 combined tackles, 14 passes defensed and four interceptions. The Titans were forced to part ways with him this offseason due to the falling cap number.
With Butler out of the picture, at least for now, Byron Murphy Jr. is slated as a starter at cornerback, with Robert Alford, Marco Wilson and Daryl Worley behind him.
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