Malcolm Butler reportedly visiting Texans on Friday

One-time Pro Bowl cornerback Malcolm Butler was last seen facing an opposing offense on an NFL field in a meaningful game during the 2020 season while with the Tennessee Titans. The 32-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year "prove it" contract with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2021 but never played a regular-season down after he was added to the reserve/retired list for unspecified personal reasons late last summer. 

Arizona released Butler in February, a move that made him a free agent able to sign with any team, and it was later reported that the veteran was "definitely" attempting a comeback. Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network now reports that Butler is visiting with the Houston Texans on Friday. 

As Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk notes, Houston general manager Nick Caserio was working in the personnel department of the New England Patriots when Butler originally joined that organization as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

The news comes as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Texans will be signing linebacker Christian Kirksey to a two-year extension. 

During the 2020 campaign, Butler recorded 100 total tackles, four interceptions and 14 pass breakups. One would think a legitimate Super Bowl contender could attract his interest this spring, but perhaps he's keen on working with a familiar face such as Caserio in the early days of his return to action.