The Las Vegas Raiders' defensive line was one of the strengths of their team this season, and their defense was the strength of their team as a whole.
Many players had notable seasons for the Raiders' improved defense. Still, many players had successful seasons without receiving as much attention.
Veteran defensive lineman Adam Butler is one of those players.
Butler, who signed a one-year deal with the Raiders last offseason, joined the Silver and Black after spending most of his career with the New England Patriots.
Although Butler's signing undoubtedly had a direct connection to former Coach Josh McDaniels, Butler's production on the field and leadership off of the field make him an attractive free agent for the Raiders to re-sign.
Butler signed a one-year $1.5 million deal last offseason and has publicly stated that he would like to return to Las Vegas next season. Having access to the type of production Butler brings at the team-friendly cost of his contract makes him a viable option to return.
Last offseason, the Raiders invested heavily in their starting defensive line and the depth players behind them. Butler, who spent this season as more of a rotational player, not only finished the season just short of his career high in tackles and sacks but was also a vital part of rookie defensive lineman Tyree Wilson's growth as Wilson has said..
What will make the decision a little more challenging on whether or not to keep Butler is that much of his influence goes beyond what can be seen on a stat sheet.
That is the case for most rotational interior defensive linemen. It is even more so the case for those playing on a defensive line as deep as the Raiders'.
Between his play on the field and his impact on the growth of last year's first-round draft pick, which the Raiders consider a significant piece of a budding defense, Butler has more than a chance of returning to Las Vegas next season.
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