Every NFL team must cut its roster down to 53 players on August 29. But the Atlanta Falcons are dealing with multiple injuries at cornerback. That means even after cutting several cornerbacks, the team could explore making another move.
The Falcons may even be interested in a cornerback who hasn’t played a meaningful game in almost three years.
READ MORE: Countdown to 53 – Atlanta Falcons Cuts and Roster Tracker
NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported that the Falcons plan to work out two-time Super Bowl champion cornerback Malcolm Butler on Tuesday.
Butler spent training camp last season with the New England Patriots, but the team released him with an injury settlement before September.
Butler worked out for the Miami Dolphins last October but didn’t sign. He hasn’t played in a regular season or playoff game since January 10, 2021.
The 33-year-old began his career with the Patriots as an undrafted rookie in 2014. He saved the team’s fourth Super Bowl victory when he intercepted Russell Wilson’s pass at the goal line during the final minute of Super Bowl XLIX.
Butler then became a starter for the Patriots, making the Pro Bowl in 2015. He earned a second-team All-Pro nomination in 2016, helping New England win another Super Bowl.
But after a controversial benching in Super Bowl LII, which the Patriots lost, Butler signed a five-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.
He played three seasons for the Titans from 2018-20. During 2020, he posted a career-high 100 tackles and tied a career-high with 4 interceptions.
Butler signed with the Arizona Cardinals after the Titans released him the following offseason. But Butler retired in August due to personal reasons. He then didn’t play last season after his injury settlement.
In seven NFL seasons, Butler has posted 406 combined tackles, 82 pass defenses and 17 interceptions. He’s started 84 games in his career.
Atlanta cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes are dealing with injuries. Tre Flowers will likely start in Week 1 if Okudah doesn’t return.
But if Okudah and Hughes both miss Week 1, Butler’s experience could be useful to the Falcons in the short term.
Ahead of Tuesday’s cuts, the Falcons have 10 cornerbacks on their roster.
