Arizona Cardinals place CB Malcolm Butler on retired list, make 15 cuts
Aug 31, 2021, 3:09 PM | Updated: Sep 2, 2021, 1:09 pm
Cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. #7 and Malcolm Butler #21 of the Arizona Cardinals participate in an off-season workout at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on June 02, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In a move many did not see coming until this week, the Arizona Cardinals placed starting cornerback Malcolm Butler on the reserve/retired list as they cut 15 players Tuesday.
Butler had been one of general manager Steve Keim’s top acquisitions this offseason and was expected to be a major part of the team’s secondary.
The news of Butler’s retirement comes after it was reported Monday the cornerback was dealing with a personal situation and was contemplating hanging up his cleats.
Butler did not attend practice all week and scrubbed his social media of Cardinals content he had posted.
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Head coach Kliff Kingsbury hadn’t spoke to the cornerback and said “it remains to be seen” as to Butler’s future plans following Tuesday’s practice.
Aside from Butler, the Cardinals released a total of 15 players Tuesday. The team also waived/injured offensive lineman Marcus Henry.
Tuesday marked Arizona’s second round of cuts, with the team releasing 10 players Monday that included wide receiver KeeSean Johnson and rookie offensive lineman Michal Menet.
A look at the team’s final round of cuts to get down to its initial 53-man roster:
– Wide receiver Andre Baccellia
– Safety Chris Banjo
– Wide receiver Greg Dortch
– Linebacker Kylie Fitts
– Offensive lineman Sean Harlow
– Defensive lineman Margus Hunt
– Offensive lineman Koda Martin
– Defensive lineman Josh Mauro
– Tight end Bernhard Seikovits
– Tight end Ross Travis
– Linebacker Reggie Walker
– Cornerback Jace Whittaker
– Safety James Wiggins
– Safety Shawn Williams
– Cornerback Daryl Worley
