4 free-agent cornerbacks who are still on the market for Panthers
By Dean Jones
Malcolm Butler
- 2020 team – Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans took the expected move to release Malcolm Butler and save themselves around $10 million in salary-cap space, which is a decision that should generate plenty of attention from other teams across the league. His level of production in 2020 was still pretty high despite being targeted a substantial amount as a potential weak link, which means he’d be a significant upgrade on anything the Carolina Panthers currently have for a potential Donte Jackson partner.
To say Butler was in the thick of things last season would be an understatement. He was targeted 116 times throughout the campaign, giving up 76 receptions on his way to a creditable 71.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The former West Alabama standout also played a leading role for the Titans during their memorable playoff run in 2019 and has two Super Bowl rings to his name after a successful spell with the New England Patriots.
This experience and winning mentality would be of significant use to the Panthers, who have languished in mediocrity ever since their own Super Bowl 50 loss to the Denver Broncos. Much will depend on the finances involved and whether Butler would welcome such a move, but the potential benefits are there for all to see.