Report: Darius Butler to visit Bears today

Yesterday, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported that Colts defensive back Darius Butler would begin visiting other teams this weekend since he and the Colts haven’t reached a deal yet, and today La Canfora reports that Butler is visiting the Chicago Bears today.

He said that it’s the “first of several scheduled trips” for Butler, but obviously that depends on how his visit goes with the Bears today.

Butler still has value and could help a number of teams, as though he’s ready to transition to safety full-time he has been a very good slot cornerback in recent years and that versatility is likely one of the reasons he seems to have options. He’s a good player and has done well with the Colts over the last five seasons, but with Chris Ballard now in charge in Indianapolis it’s unclear what he thinks of the players who were on the team last year. It does sound like the Colts have interest in bringing back Butler, but as of yet they haven’t reached an agreement on that deal.

The defensive back will turn 31 this offseason but has been a reliable player for the Colts in the slot, and then last year moved to safety at times and held his own there too. He’s a guy that I think the Colts could really use and should bring back, but Butler’s free agency tour has begun. That’s probably not a great sign for the Colts’ chances of bringing him back.