PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Posted by Curtis Crabtree on August 25, 2014, 10:33 PM EDT

The New Orleans Saints signed linebacker Victor Butler a season ago with the hope he could become a significant contributor to their defense.

Ultimately, he may never play a down for the team.

According to Kristian Garic of 870 WWL in New Orleans, the Saints are planning to release Butler as a part of their cuts to get down to 75 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Butler suffered a torn ACL after colliding with running back Mark Ingram in practice in June 2013. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list with the hope his knee may somehow be able to recover in time for him to play down the stretch. That hope never materialized and Butler spent the entire season on the physically unable to perform list.

According to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Butler returned to practice Monday after missing a significant amount of training camp with another issue, though this one was undisclosed by the Saints. The move to release Butler will save the Saints $1.5 million this season.

Butler’s last game action came with the Dallas Cowboys in 2012, where he appeared in all 16 games and recorded 25 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.



Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler | ProFootballTalk


Last season, I had really high hopes for Butler. Too bad. I hope he heals up soon.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Can't say it's too much of a surprise. I liked the guy's potential. But if he can't get on the field he's just eating up cap space.

It would be interesting to see if we go after any pass-rush OLB types. I think we play enough 4-3 and nickel stuff where it's not really a necessity, but it sure would be nice.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Can't make the club in the tub.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Fortt, Powell, Rufus, Edibali, Davis, Haralson...
Someone will step up.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Would really have liked to see what he could do in the Black and Gold. Good luck Victor.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

That's disappointing.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

I think Edibali made the team.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

The Victor Butler Project ends on the same day as the Andy Tanner Project.
Look out Alan Parsons.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Butler is always an option down the line. I think we''l be fine especially since we were fine without him last year.

We also run that 3-3-5 so much we may not miss him at all.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Kind of disappointed because I thought he could bring a rangy speed element that we're sorely lacking at the linebacker position but you can't keep everybody.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

shame. i hope he get this injury behind him and get another shot on the field, way too much talent, shame

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

I'm surprised.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

quick 1.5 mill + the available cap = what?

who out there? :)

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Cam Jordan 2015

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Meh. Tons of potential but I was getting annoyed seeing his name on the "did not participate in practice" list. Wonder if Lorig is next.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Agree on Butler, disagree on Lorig.
Lorig might go PUP and miss 6 games, with Johnson or Jones filling in. Butler had participated in one walk through so far

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Its strange how he's only missed one game in 4 years, comes here and cannot walk into the facility without getting hurt

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Players can't go on PUP unless they were designated PUP at the start of camp. If they practice one day, they are no longer eligible for the PUP list.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Butler ended last season on IR not PUP.

A player can not remain on PUP for an entire season. A player on the Physically Unable to Perform list must be either activated, waived, or IRed by Week 9. Butler was IRed when it became clear he would not be able to return anytime during the 2013 season.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Right. I guess I meant the 6 week IR.
I think we can only designate one guy, though, and Stills and Lorig are our candidates.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

At least he didn't get a staph infection.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

I wish that I could make $1.5 million for rehabing my knee.

Professional sports are cruel.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Hopefully, Kenny Stills' injury is not bad enough for that designation. Lorig' might be. He would be the candidate for IR designated to return. Austin Johnson can do the job in the meantime, and Josh Hill can spell him playing H-back.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

It's Johnson vs Jones tomorrow night. One of several roster spot battles

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Maybe but I don't think so. Greg Jones has shown zero in camp, and Johnson looks good running/receiving and special teams.

Jones is a guy that will likely be available all season if needed, Johnson is an ascending player that not only is ahead of Jones so far, but contributes on special teams

I don't think there's much of a battle there at all.

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

HA! HA!

Re: PFT - Report: Saints set to release linebacker Victor Butler
 

Well ****, piss, **** and crap. I was hoping he would add a lot to the defense this year.