A few days ago, it was reported that the Colts had interest in re-signing Darius Butler - but so far, no deal has been reached. Because of that, it sounds like Butler will begin to look elsewhere.
According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, Butler will begin taking free agent visits this weekend since he is “still unable to come to terms on a deal to stay with Colts.”
The fact that La Canfora says Butler and the Colts still can’t come to terms on a deal seems to suggest that the Colts and Butler have been negotiating, but with no agreement. It’s possible that the Colts and Butler will keep negotiating, too, but the defensive back will begin exploring his other options.
Butler has spent the past five seasons with the Colts, playing in 67 games (starting 24) and recording 214 tackles, 41 passes defensed, 12 interceptions (three touchdowns), and six forced fumbles. Last year, he played in 12 games and started seven of them, recording 33 tackles, seven passes defensed, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. He was productive as a slot cornerback and also spent time at safety, where he wants to move full-time. The Colts could use depth at both safety and cornerback, so that versatility could be very intriguing. Plus, if they don’t re-sign Butler they likely will need to add another safety anyway to join Clayton Geathers and T.J. Green at the position.
It will be interesting to see whether Butler returns to the Colts or whether he signs elsewhere, but he still can help a team, but we’ll have to wait and see which team that winds up being.