http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/players/donald_butler/126881 Recent articles about Donald Butler en-us Michael Gehlken of the Urban-Tribune San Diego writes that with the recent salary cap relief that Chargers received, LB Donald Butler could be “at the forefront of the Chargers’ focus” for a contract extension. Butler, 24, graded out as the No. 16 inside linebacker according to Pro Football Focus, and with the recent addition of LB Manti Te’o in the draft it would make sense to make sure that the team ensured their linebacker core is kept intact. Should the Chargers pass on the opportunity to extend Butler he will be heavily sought after in free agency next year. The post Chargers LB Donald Butler Next In Line For A Contract Extension? appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -. Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:43:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_lb_donald_butler_next_in_line_for_a_contract_extension/13759475 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_lb_donald_butler_next_in_line_for_a_contract_extension/13759475 Chargers LB Donald Butler Next In Line For A Contract Extension? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_lb_donald_butler_next_in_line_for_a_contract_extension/13759475 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/a/9aaef8a6324da4f049bd2d953483b49394b24e48/mini/6775618.jpg According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers main priority before next offseason rolls around is making sure they sign linebacker Donald Butler to an extension. Inside linebacker Donald Butler, at the forefront of the Chargers’ focus, will hit free agency next March if no prior agreement is reached. Butler is one of the young budding stars on the Chargers defense.  He’s only 24 years-old and racked up 77 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception last season.   Need NFL Tickets? The post Chargers reportedly focused on signing Donald Butler to an extension appeared first on Pro Football Zone. Sun, 02 Jun 2013 22:25:59 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_reportedly_focused_on_signing_donald_butler_to_an_extension/13747628 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_reportedly_focused_on_signing_donald_butler_to_an_extension/13747628 Chargers reportedly focused on signing Donald Butler to an extension http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_reportedly_focused_on_signing_donald_butler_to_an_extension/13747628 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/8/28f5fc3dc4a4c2db2c279deaa1c52603d0fac625/mini/6516880.jpg The San Diego Chargers have muzzled Manti Te'o from speaking with the media. That hasn't kept Te'o's new teammates from speaking about the rookie outside linebacker with the controversial past. Te'o has spent the past five months in the mainstream spotlight for his connection with a complex hoax involving a fake girlfriend named Lenay and scam artist who successfully "catfished" a college football star. This is the primary reason San Diego's media relations department has made Te'o off-limits for now Te'o himself, though,is doing his part to leave the past behind. Chargers fullback Le'Ron McClain said Monday that Te'o has done an outstanding job integrating himself into the team's locker room since joining San Diego as a second-round draft choice. "I don't think there will be anything like hazing," McClain told co-host Jim Miller and me on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "The guy came in, and he's been working since he stepped on the field, Mon, 27 May 2013 18:05:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/teo_not_talking_but_teammate_is/13704398 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/teo_not_talking_but_teammate_is/13704398 Te'o not talking, but teammate is http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/teo_not_talking_but_teammate_is/13704398 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Right after the San Diego Chargers drafted linebacker Manti Te’o they claimed that they believe he is a three-down player.  It looks like they still feel that way. According to Peter King of SI.com, Chargers head coach Mike McCoy told him that they still believe Te’o is a three-down linebacker. San Diego coach Mike McCoy told me Sunday, after the rookie minicamp, that the staff expects Te’o to be an every-down linebacker. He said Te’o will take his place as the starting Mike linebacker — the strongside ‘backer in San Diego’s 3-4 defense, alongside veteran Donald Butler – in team drills when OTAs begin. “Our plan is for him to play three downs, and when we scouted him, we believed that’s what he’d be,” McCoy said. “But he’ll have to earn that, obviously. We’re going to play the best guys, and if he’s the best guy on all three downs, he’ll be in there.” The Chargers will have the ability to protect Te’o in their 3-4 defense.  If he was in a 4-3, I’m not sure he would Mon, 13 May 2013 14:45:26 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_still_believe_manti_teo_is_a_three_down_linebacker/13607930 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_still_believe_manti_teo_is_a_three_down_linebacker/13607930 Chargers still believe Manti Te’o is a three down linebacker http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_still_believe_manti_teo_is_a_three_down_linebacker/13607930 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/6/b/6ba7db6a1f22e3e02ad0bb791397f91fc62b60e3/mini/2010-sports-illustrated.jpg San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler told the San Diego Union Tribune that he’s excited to have the chance to play with former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o. “I’m looking forward to him coming in and being excited to work. From what I’ve heard, that is what he likes to do: humble guy who wants to come in and just work and really hone his craft.” Butler says Te’o will take a little heat as a rookie. “I’m sure he’ll get some jabs,” Butler said. “But that comes with being a rookie. He might get a little more because of his situation, but I’m sure he’s man enough to handle it and really grow from it. I don’t think it’s going to be anything over-the-top. It’ll be your normal rookie jokes.” All Butler cares about is whether Te’o works hard. “My things is I just want to see him come here and work,” Butler said. “A lot of people are talking about the future, and as bright as the future may seem or sound, he has to come in and prove himself before anything. That’ Sat, 04 May 2013 18:21:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/chargers_donald_butler_is_excited_to_play_with_manti_teo/13551371 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/chargers_donald_butler_is_excited_to_play_with_manti_teo/13551371 Chargers’ Donald Butler is excited to play with Manti Te’o http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/chargers_donald_butler_is_excited_to_play_with_manti_teo/13551371 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/8/28f5fc3dc4a4c2db2c279deaa1c52603d0fac625/mini/6516880.jpg The San Diego Chargers expect second-round draft selection Manti Te'o to step in as the starting inside linebacker next to Donald Butler. That talk is premature, Butler says. "I think a lot of people are jumping to conclusions," Butler told U-T San Diego on Friday. "He has to come in and prove himself as a starter. Obviously, it would be nice -- that's why you draft someone in the second round. We don't know how he's going to be in the NFL. I hope he comes in and he's a superstar. Hopefully we can create something that will carry us for the next four, five, six years." Te'o will be the heavy favorite to start if only for the lack of legitimate competition. Jonas Mouton has been slow to develop since being drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Once Te'o gets to training camp, Butler expects the former Notre Dame star will "get some jabs" from other players about his fake dead girlfriend. "But that comes with being a rook Sat, 04 May 2013 15:10:47 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/donald_butler_says_chargers_rookie_lb_manti_teo_will_need_to_prove_himself/13550654 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/donald_butler_says_chargers_rookie_lb_manti_teo_will_need_to_prove_himself/13550654 Donald Butler Says Chargers Rookie LB Manti Te'o Will Need To 'Prove Himself' http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/donald_butler_says_chargers_rookie_lb_manti_teo_will_need_to_prove_himself/13550654 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/a/9aaef8a6324da4f049bd2d953483b49394b24e48/mini/6775618.jpg Manti Te’o will be treated like any other rookie that walks into Chargers camp this summer — except he’s the only one who had a very public fake relationship, so the veterans will have more ammo for their jokes. San Diego linebacker Donald Butler, who will likely start next to the former Golden Domer at inside linebacker in the Chargers’ 3-4 defense, said the team won’t hold back on their jokes, but only because Te’o should be able to take it. “I’m sure he’ll get some jabs,” Butler told U-T San Diego. “But that comes with being a rookie. He might get a little more because of his situation, but I’m sure he’s man enough to handle it and really grow from it. I don’t think it’s going to be anything over-the-top. It’ll be your normal rookie jokes.” Te’o has surely heard the jokes before, but not in a situation where he’s trying to impress new teammates. But if Te’o impresses on the field, which is the only thing Butler is concerned about, the jokes will likely subside. “My Sat, 04 May 2013 08:50:07 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/manti_teo_will_get_made_fun_of_in_chargers_locker_room_according_to_teammate_donald_butler/13549019 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/manti_teo_will_get_made_fun_of_in_chargers_locker_room_according_to_teammate_donald_butler/13549019 Chargers LB: Te'o will get heckled http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/manti_teo_will_get_made_fun_of_in_chargers_locker_room_according_to_teammate_donald_butler/13549019 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/c/0c8ceafb5800750c50583c63c6c64fdfa351964e/mini/Teo.jpg After a tumultuous offseason and a slide down the mock drafts, Manti Te'o can finally relax...for now. The San Diego Chargers traded up to the 38th pick to grab Te'o, who can be the captain of the defense for years to come.  Te'o isn't an elite athlete -- as we saw in the draft combine -- but he understands the game and has great instincts.  He'll know where the ball is and he can drop back into coverage. The Chargers needed to fill a hole at linebacker with Takeo Spikes leaving following 2012.  San Diego has a talented young linebacker in Donald Butler and Te'o will add depth and versatility at the position.  The Chargers traded the Arizona Cardinals the No. 45 overall pick and the No. 110 overall pick in order to move up seven spots and snag Te'o. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_chargers_jump_up_to_take_manti_teo/13493833 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_chargers_jump_up_to_take_manti_teo/13493833 The Chargers jump up to take Manti Te'o http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/the_chargers_jump_up_to_take_manti_teo/13493833 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Wide receiver Eddie Royal, safety Darrell Stuckey and linebacker Donald Butler are among the inactives for the San Diego Chargers against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Also inactive are wide receiver Michael Spurlock, tight end Dante Rosario, defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin and linebacker Jarret Johnson. Demorrio Williams is expected to start for Butler, Cam Thomas for Aubrayo Franklin and rookie Melvin Ingram for Johnson. Inactive for the Bengals are wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, cornerback Jason Allen, safety George Iloka, defensive tackles Devon Still and Brandon Thompson, wide receiver Armon Binns and tight end Richard Quinn. Marvin Jones was expected to start for Sanu. In other lineup changes, Trevor Robinson was expected to start at center for Jeff Faine, Robert Geathers at left defensive end for Carlos Dunlap and Chris Crocker at strong safety for Nate Clements. Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:52:32 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/royal_stuckey_butler_among_inactives_for_bolts/12344935 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/royal_stuckey_butler_among_inactives_for_bolts/12344935 Royal, Stuckey, Butler among inactives for Bolts http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/royal_stuckey_butler_among_inactives_for_bolts/12344935 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png On Friday, the Chargers declared safety Darrell Stuckey, their special teams captain, and inside linebacker Donald Butler out for Sunday's game against the Bengals. Wide receiver Eddie Royal was also ruled out. Tight end Dante Rosario (hamstring) is listed doubtful while the injuries to the Chargers defense, already without strong safety Atari Bigby, extend to Jarret Johnson. Free safety Eric Weddle (concussion), guard Tyronne Green (hamstring), punter Mike Scifres (right ankle), tackle Jeromey Clary (thigh), outside linebacker Antwan Barnes (hamstring), and outside linebacker Larry English (calf) are listed as probable. Source: North County Times Attached Thumbnails   Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:03:58 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_officially_without_lb_donald_butler_db_darrell_stuckey/12334231 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_officially_without_lb_donald_butler_db_darrell_stuckey/12334231 Chargers Officially Without LB Donald Butler, DB Darrell Stuckey http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_officially_without_lb_donald_butler_db_darrell_stuckey/12334231 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Donald Butler is doubtful for Sunday's game against Cincinnati . He's dealing with a groin injry.Fantasy Spin:Butler and the Chargers defense took a beating in the Ravens' game with as many as seven players leaving the game for treatment before the final whistle in overtime. The Bengals, the Chargers' next opponent, should be given an extra look this week. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:35:00 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/donald_butler_is_doubtful/12306751 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/donald_butler_is_doubtful/12306751 Donald Butler is Doubtful http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/donald_butler_is_doubtful/12306751 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 4. Butler recorded six tackles, 1/2 a sack, a pass defensed and an interception return for a touchdown in the Chargers' 37-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He ranks second on the team with 30 tackles this season. Source: Sports Network Attached Thumbnails   Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:52:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_lb_donald_butler_named_afc_defensive_player_of_week_4/11875102 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_lb_donald_butler_named_afc_defensive_player_of_week_4/11875102 Chargers LB Donald Butler Named AFC Defensive Player Of Week 4 http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_lb_donald_butler_named_afc_defensive_player_of_week_4/11875102 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The San Diego Chargers defense including Atari Bigby and Donald Butler were actually tackling people the other night, with their arms. They were making stops. They were sacking the quarterback. That sounds stupid, I know. That’s what defenses are supposed to do, right? You have to understand though, that Chargers’ fans have become quite accustomed to watching the Lightning play with what has been apparently designed to be a turnstile defense. Opposing offenses for years have been having their way with the Chargers’ defense. You could power a small city on the wind created by their many whiffs. I’ve never seen so many guys try to tackle somebody with their face. Their philosophy of – hit him and hope he falls down, damn, he didn’t fall down – has been permeating throughout the locker room since the day Wade Phillips took off for Dallas.… Read more Fri, 14 Sep 2012 21:00:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/san_diego_chargers_defense_showing_signs_of_life/11715679 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/san_diego_chargers_defense_showing_signs_of_life/11715679 San Diego Chargers defense showing signs of life? http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/san_diego_chargers_defense_showing_signs_of_life/11715679 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/1/f1c6b58ed77e68f1fb0bb2e2106b888b6172669c/mini/Seahawks_vs_Packers_3eaa.jpg The Chargers could be without inside linebacker Donald Butler against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, a major blow against the run. Butler has shown in his first full season innate instincts and physicality that have the Chargers excited about his future. Butler missed practice and was wearing a boot on his injured left foot Thursday. If he does not start, Butler will be replaced primarily by Na'il Diggs, who has been playing in the nickel defense but has also struggled at times on running downs when Butler has gone out. Source: Sporting News Attached Thumbnails   Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:06:06 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_lb_donald_butler_might_be_out_vs_bills/8614783 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/chargers_lb_donald_butler_might_be_out_vs_bills/8614783 Chargers LB Donald Butler Might Be Out Vs Bills http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/chargers_lb_donald_butler_might_be_out_vs_bills/8614783 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png