Los Angeles Rams: Free agent targets to pursue this offseason
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Rams free agent target: Cornerback Malcolm Butler
Malcolm Butler: the hero of Super Bowl XLIX and an all-around solid cornerback for the New England Patriots. Butler is a key part of a Patriots defense that has only gotten better as the season goes along. After yet another Super Bowl run, Butler will hit the free agent market as an unrestricted free agent in pursuit of a big payday.
Admittedly, Butler’s interception in Super Bowl XLIX probably inflates his value and will earn him a million or so more than he deserves. However, that does not take away from how talented Butler is.
The Rams are going to need to address cornerback this offseason. Realistically, it should be their number one concern. Trumaine Johnson, who was franchise tagged last year, is a free agent. If contract talks with Aaron Donald don’t pick up, the Rams may have to use their franchise tag there, instead.
Butler is a very similar player to Johnson and would bring very similar results to the Los Angeles Rams. If the Rams wanted to directly replace Johnson, Butler is their guy. Even if the team strikes a deal with Johnson, they can pursue Butler to legitimize their secondary; the one flaw on an otherwise well-rounded team.
With all of the Patriots’ drama, Butler may see the writing on the wall and decide to walk away while he can. On the Rams, he joins a very young team that has the potential to create another NFL dynasty.