San Francisco 49ers Free Agent Option Number Two: Malcolm Butler
The San Francisco 49ers look to build their roster starting with a strong free agency period. Cornerback Malcolm Butler should be a target.
The San Francisco 49ers have a cornerback problem and there are some interesting players that will be available once free agency kicks open in March.
Recently, we talked about how Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller would be a good addition to this team. Within this article, we will continue the trend, discussing the need for the 49ers to sign a free agent cornerback.
They need one (or maybe more) veterans who can come in and be an immediate playmaker. Fuller is one of those guys who fits the bill.
Another cornerback that can fit that bill is New England Patriots corner back Malcolm Butler, who has been involved in a lot of drama and uncertainty with the Patriots following their 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Apparently, Bill Belichick benched Butler due to multiple off-the-field issues. All of those accounts were denied by Butler in a post on both his personal Twitter and Instagram accounts. You can read the story about that situation here.
Even though Butler is currently caught up in all of this drama surroundingy, he is an unrestricted free agent and he should definitely be a player on the 49ers radar when the free agency period starts. Here’s why:
Reason #1
The San Francisco players want him.
Perhaps, not every player, but wide receiver Pierre Garcon tweeted out yesterday that Butler should come to “The Bay”. Here’s the full tweet:
"Yo yo @Mac_BZ come to The Bay. @49ers we got CAP SPACE, a QB and the best receivers in the division are on your team. You won’t have to worry about the head coach being all up in the videos. All in the way and stuff. One goal in mind over here. #SB53 Let’s Get It #49erFaithful— Pierre Garçon (@PierreGarcon) February 7, 2018Yo yo @Mac_BZ come to The Bay. @49ers we got CAP SPACE, a QB and the best receivers in the division are on your team. You won’t have to worry about the head coach being all up in the videos. All in the way and stuff. One goal in mind over here. #SB53 Let’s Get It #49erFaithful— Pierre Garçon (@PierreGarcon) February 7, 2018"
Then Pro Bowl left tackle and long-time 49er Joe Staley followed up Garcon’s tweet by quoting it with this:
"👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 https://t.co/l6a9NU4zqx— Joe Staley (@jstaley74) February 7, 2018👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 https://t.co/l6a9NU4zqx— Joe Staley (@jstaley74) February 7, 2018"
The reasons to join the 49ers right now according to Garcon are all spot on. This is the team you want to be on next season and for the seasons ahead.
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You have a young quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo who is now the NFL’s highest paid player in history. The 49ers have among the most cap space in the league, and there are some who are expecting the 49ers to make a Super Bowl run next year and win it.
Reason #2
The 49ers could really use help at corner back. Ahkello Witherspoon showed tremendous promise late last season but other than him, there aren’t any solid locks at the cornerback spot for next season.
That’s when Butler comes in.
He has been in the league for four years now and will be entering his fifth season. Butler is still young and has been coached by some of the league’s best.
Why not take a shot at signing him?
Butler is automatically a starter on this defense, unless the 49ers bring in other highly talented players who can challenge that claim.
Butler would immediately bring help to a position that clearly needs it, but he surely can’t be the other cornerback to sign this offseason.
Reason #3
The last reason is that Butler clearly needs a fresh start.
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Ever since that game winning interception against the Seattle Seahawks in his rookie year, many have argued that Butler hasn’t been that good, which of course is arguable.
Leaving a team that hasn’t treated him right is something that Butler definitely needs to consider, especially at this point in his career.
If the Patriots really wanted Butler, they wouldn’t have benched him. The 49ers would be a perfect opportunity for Butler to start fresh and to reunite with his former teammates in Garoppolo and Cassius Marsh.
The Wrap Up
In his career, Butler has 205 tackles, four forced fumbles (two recovered), eight interceptions, two sacks and 48 passes defensed.
Next: 49ers Sign Garoppolo To Massive Deal
If the 49ers do target him, they should do so for a reasonable price. You don’t want to give Butler a max contract or anything absurd. Give him a contract that would make him come here without risking too much money that can be saved or used to upgrade further positions.
Do you think the 49ers should target Butler?