Replacing Malcolm Butler

As the soap opera that is the Malcolm Butler contract negotiation plays out, and the possibility that he may be wearing a different uniform next season increases, let’s take a look at what’s left on the veteran free agent market for cornerbacks. The initial free agency spending spree is over, so most of the top options are off the table. The Patriots probably got Stephon Gilmore. And AJ Bouye landed in Jacksonville.  Captain Munnerlyn wound up in Carolina. Logan Ryan went to the Titans.

There are currently 39 veteran cornerbacks on the free agent market. So let’s narrow that down to those with starting experience.

Sterling Moore, 27, New Orleans Saints

This name should sound really familiar to you. You remember him, right? He literally was Malcolm Butler before Malcolm Butler was. He’s the guy in the 2011 AFC Championship game that saved the Patriots season by knocking the ball out of Lee Evans hands in the end zone. That led to an eventual field goal miss, and a Conference Championship. Moore was waived and placed on the practice squad in 2012, before being signed away by the Dallas Cowboys.

He bounced to Tampa Bay and Buffalo before settling in as a starter last year in New Orleans. He had 44 tackles and two picks in 13 games for the Saints. He’s the same age as Butler. If not a starter candidate, bringing him in as a reserve wouldn’t be out of the question. According to Pro Football Focus, he hasn’t been beaten for a pass longer than 40 yards over the past two season. If the Patriots go the veteran free agent route, he may be the most likely candidate.

Sam Shields, 29, Green Bay Packers

Apart from Darrelle Revis (more on him later), former Packers Pro Bowl corner Sam Shields is probably the biggest “name” on this list. He missed nearly all of the 2016 season after suffering a concussion in Week 1 against the Jaguars. It was the fourth concussion of his career. He hopes to play in 2017, but has played in 13 of the past 32 games. Oh, and he’s also facing drug charges. He’s got 18 career picks. Although he played only 62 snaps in 2016, he’s still a good cover corner. Right now, he’s a high-risk; high reward guy.

Brandon Flowers, 31, San Diego… um … Los Angeles Chargers

Flowers was released by the Chargers after two seasons with the club. Originally a Kansas City Chief, he too is coming off an injury-riddled season in which a concussion ended his season. He’s been a starter his entire career. He could be an option as a low cost replacement for Malcolm Butler. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013,

Patrick Robinson, 29, Indianapolis Colts

A seven-year NFL veteran, Robinson earned the starting job with the Colts last year. The former Saint and Charger played in seven games before being placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. He also missed time with a concussion, in addition to hip and knee injuries. He looks like another training-camp longshot, or a depth guy. Not a replacement for Malcolm Butler.

Leodis McKelvin, 31, Philadelphia Eagles

Patriots fans are familiar with McKelvin from his eight seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He spent last season with the Eagles, where he racked up 43 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two picks, before being cut by Philadelphia last month. Pro Football Focus graded McKelvin as the 71st best cover corner in the league last season.

Alterraun Verner, 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A Pro Bowler in 2013 with the Titans, he spent the last three years in Tampa Bay before being released.  He had a strong first season for the Bucs, but lost his starting job last season, and started only two games in 2016. The one plus he’s got going for him is that he’s been pretty healthy over the years. He’s also a pretty bright guy, getting a 1740 on his SATs.

Shareece Wright, 29, Baltimore Ravens

The former Charger, and 49er signed a three year extension with the Ravens on March 7th, 2016, and was released exactly one year later. Originally a third-round pick of the Chargers, he’s got 228 career tackles, 31 pass deflections and one interception. He started 9 games for the Ravens last year, and played in 12.

Wright wouldn’t seem to be a strong candidate to step into Malcolm Butler’s starting role.

Darrelle Revis, 31, New York Jets

Remember him? He’s available. He’ll work cheap.

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