Rating: (0 votes - average)

The defensive makeover continues in New Orleans.

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the Saints agreed to contract terms with free agent Victor Butler, the former Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker who will be used to rush the passer in coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4 defensive front. The team confirmed the agreement, noting that it was for a two-year contract.
ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news.
Butler attracted plenty of interest on the open market, visiting with the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. The 25-year-old defender showed potential getting to the quarterback last season, racking up three sacks in two starts. His playing time in Dallas, however, was limited in the shadows of Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware.
Butler was reportedly high on joining the Saints despite competition at his position, where he'll share snaps with Will Smith, Martez Wilson and Junior Galette. He figures to play more of a supporting role, but Butler's two years of experience in Ryan's scheme should bring an early opportunity to make an impact.


Victor Butler, New Orleans Saints agree to contract - NFL.com

TheOak

|Mitch|

What are the Cowboy fans saying about the loss of Butler? Anyone know?

TheOak

Rugby Saint II

Bout time...........

TheOak

Ohh I like this guy already LOL "Sexy Sanchez"!

TheOak

Ht - 6'2"
Wt - 248
40yd - 4.8s
Vert - 33"
Broad J - 113
3 cone - 7.21s
20 yd shuttle - 4.4s

Combine:


Overview

An undersized pass-rush specialist with the Beavers, Butler must make the transition to outside linebacker in the NFL. A standout pass rusher who broke out to register 10.5 sacks as a junior despite only starting one game, Butler was first-team All-Pac-10 and tied the single-season sack record at OSU with 12 as a senior and leaves second in school history with 25.5 career sacks. It was his final two games with the Beavers that really have scouts intrigued. Butler earned Sun Bowl MVP after racking up 11 tackles, including five tackles for loss, four sacks and a forced fumble against Pittsburgh and showed surprising fluidity when operating in coverage while at the East-West Shrine Game.
Analysis
Strengths:
Positives: Rangy build with plenty of room for additional muscle mass. ... Good initial burst off the edge as a pass rusher. ... Capable of challenging the tackle and flexible enough to bend around the tackle to collapse the pocket. ... Good closing speed. ... Good lateral quickness and balance to redirect. ... Shows some leg drive as a bull rusher. ... Helped himself at the East-West Shrine Game, showing good upper-body strength to pop the tight end off the snap. ... Good straight-line speed and agility to redirect in coverage. ... Tools to warrant development as a rush linebacker. ... Voted team captain.

Negatives:

Classic "tweener." ... Essentially a one-trick pony. ... Lacks the bulk to remain at defensive end and may lack the necessary speed and agility for coverage. ... Questionable instincts for move a linebacker. ... Relies on his agility to avoid blockers when in space. ... Struggles to disengage from blockers once they've locked on. ... Only one season as a starter.




NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Victor Butler

FinSaint

They can't seriously even think about lining Smith as an OLB... can they?!

zoltar26

I hope they arent even thinking bout putting Smith on the field...enough depth will keep him off

alleycat_126

Patience pays off..... Lol it's like Mickey was listening to someone's angry rant