Falcons work out former Super Bowl hero who hasn't played since 2020

After spending the first four years of his career from 2014-17 with the Patriots, Malcolm Butler suited up for the Tennessee Titans for three seasons from 2018-20. Butler was released by the Titans in March 2021 and signed by the Arizona Cardinals three weeks later but was then placed on the retired/reserves list ahead of the regular season for what was deemed "personal reasons."

The West Alabama product was released by the Cardinals in February 2022 and rejoined New England the following month but was eventually placed on injured reserve and released in August last year. Butler visited with the Miami Dolphins in October but didn't land a deal.

His most recent NFL contest came was on Jan. 10, 2021 during Tennessee's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Butler finished the contest with five combined tackles, two passed defended and one interception in 63 defensive snaps played.

The 33-year-old is most remembered for his interception of Russell Wilson's pass at the goal line to seal the Patriots' win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Three years later, Butler was benched in the team's Super Bowl LII loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, logging just one snap on special teams and no plays on defense.

Following the contest, Bill Belichick said the move was due to a "coach's decision" and not because of disciplinary reasons.

The Falcons projected secondary for the 2023 season includes 2020 first-round picks A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah (acquired via trade with the Detroit Lions in April) at cornerback and free agent signing Jessie Bates III and 2021 second-round pick Richie Grant at the safety positions.