Packers should target Malcolm Butler after Super Bowl benching

The Green Bay Packers should target All-Pro Malcolm Butler after he was benched in the Super Bowl.

Besides the Philadelphia Eagles completing the underdog story with their backup quarterback Nick Foles, the biggest story coming out of the Super Bowl was New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler.

Could the benched superstar take his talents elsewhere, possibly to the Green Bay Packers?

Just three years ago, Butler made the play of his life. That night he intercepted a Russell Wilson pass at the goal line to clinch the fourth championship in New England Patriots history, but this year he sat on the bench in the Super Bowl.

Here is what he had to say, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss:

Butler went on to say, “I don’t know what it was. I guess I wasn’t playing good or they didn’t feel comfortable. I don’t know. But I could have changed that game.”

“I could have changed that game.”

There are rumors that Butler got benched for disciplinary actions from during the week. Those rumors were quickly shot down by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

The story will likely remain a mystery forever, which is unfortunate. But with the benching in the Super Bowl, Butler may want out of New England. Scheduled to be a free agent, that idea just may become reality.

Does he fit in Green Bay?

It has been documented numerous times that new Packers GM Brian Gutekunst will be aggressive in free agency.

“We’re not going to leave any stone unturned as far as every avenue of player acquisition,” said Gutekunst in his first press conference as GM.

Butler will likely be looking for a new home, and Green Bay could be the place to go.

In a recent article, we spotlighted some players the Packers should bring in during free agency. Let’s add Malcolm Butler to that list because he can be a valuable asset to the mediocre Packers defense.

Related Story: 5 players Green Bay should target in free agency

Butler has a swagger to him that hasn’t been seen in Green Bay since the days of Charles Woodson. Any addition to the secondary is a plus at this point even if that player has some off-the-field issues. Woodson had those issues, and look at what happened during his time in Green Bay.

Butler is a great coverage cornerback. Since his breakout season in 2015, he has recorded double-digit pass defenses and multiple interceptions, per Pro Football Reference.

It will be interesting to see if the Packers give Butler a call. I’m sure he would be more than excited to join the 13-time world champion Green Bay Packers. It would also give new defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine, more playmakers to work with.

The Packers will have to act very aggressively if they want Butler, as many other teams will be interested in him too.

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However, Butler could be the piece of the young secondary the Packers need to bring in their fifth Super Bowl championship. Let’s just hope they don’t bench him if the time comes.