Cardinals release Malcolm Butler from reserve/retired list

Veteran cornerback Malcolm Butler Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals release former Pro Bowl CB Malcolm Butler from reserve/retired list

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/17/22

One-time Pro Bowl cornerback Malcolm Butler was released by the Tennessee Titans in March 2021 but vowed to "ball harder" after he signed what was essentially a one-year "prove it" contract with the Arizona Cardinals later that same month.

However, reports emerged late into the preseason that Butler was considering retirement due to unspecified personal reasons, and the Cardinals placed him on the reserve/retired list before the start of meaningful games. Butler didn't play a down during the 2021 campaign, and Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk notes that the Cardinals released the 31-year-old on Thursday.

This transaction makes Butler free to sign with any team moving forward, and multiple NFL Media members report he's seriously considering playing next fall:

The #AZCardinals have released CB Malcolm Butler from the reserve/retired list, per the wire. Will be interesting, especially if he wants to return. Had heard he’s considering it.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 17, 2022

Butler has been working out diligently. Would expect a return. https://t.co/NhvGTl3PSQ
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) February 17, 2022

Butler earned his only Pro Bowl nod in 2015 as a member of the New England Patriots but spent his last three seasons with the Titans. He tallied 100 total tackles, four interceptions and 14 pass breakups during the 2020 campaign.

While Butler's future in the NFL remains up in the air heading into the new league year that begins in March, logic suggests contenders in need of secondary help will offer him at least training-camp invites this summer.

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