Former Cardinals CB Malcolm Butler reportedly visiting Texans

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Cornerback Malcolm Butler appears intent on a return to NFL life less than a month after the Arizona Cardinals freed him to explore those options by releasing him from the retired list.

According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, the veteran defensive back is visiting with the Houston Texans on Friday.

Butler appeared for the Tennessee Titans in 2020 before he joined Arizona on a one-year, incentive-laden deal with a base salary at $3.5 million, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

After Butler participated in almost all of training camp, the Cardinals placed him on the retired list due to personal reasons. The corner did not play in a game for Arizona.

“He was playing fine, he was improving every day and he was gonna be a big part of what we did this year,” Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said in September as the season began.

“Obviously, football is a big part of his life but his life’s more important than football.”

NFL Network reported in February as Arizona released Butler from their retired list that he was looking to make a comeback.

A two-time Pro Bowler with the New England Patriots, Butler recorded a career-best 100 tackles and four interceptions the last season he played before the Titans released him to save money with $14.2 million owed.

When Butler opted against playing for Arizona, the Cardinals this season turned to veteran Robert Alford and rookie Marco Wilson, among others, to bolster the cornerback room led by Byron Murphy.

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