NFL free agency: 4 cornerbacks for the Kansas City Chiefs to consider

Malcolm Butler

New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is another cornerback that could be testing the market in 2018. The former Super Bowl XLIX star’s time in New England is questionable after the Patriots went out and signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore last offseason. If there is a team in the league that doesn’t like paying out big contracts, it’s the Patriots.

Cornerback Johnathan Jones proved to be a great asset for the Patriots, not only in the slot but on the outside as well. He could also prove to be a cheaper option over Butler. The biggest issue with Butler is his weakness opposing fast, great route runners. The way to beat him is lining up speed receivers and running quick underneath routes. Denver Broncos did this with Emmanual Sanders in 2017 catching six passes for 137 yards. All of that was done with quarterback Brock Osweiler.

While Butler is not a top-five corner, he’s still a solid contributor to any defense. Gilmore had the better year of the duo in 2017 which could move him to the number one role next season. If the Patriots aren’t wanting to pay two cornerbacks nicely, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for Kansas City to take a look at Butler.

New England only has two major contracts coming up this offseason, the other being offensive tackle Nate Solder. If he decides to retire, it could free up money that the Patriots would be willing to put towards locking down a solid cornerback duo. Losing their defensive coordinator to a head coaching position in Detroit, it might be wise to hold onto as much defensive talent as possible.