Patriots hosting ex-Super Bowl hero for workout

Malcolm Butler was inexplicably benched in his final game with the New England Patriots several years ago, but apparently there are no hard feelings.

Butler, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals last year, is looking to play in 2022 after he sat out last year for personal reasons. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that the veteran cornerback was in New England to visit with the Patriots on Monday.

Butler spent the first four seasons of his career with the Patriots. Few players in NFL history have experienced higher highs and lower lows with one team than he did in New England. The former undrafted free agent made one of the best plays in Super Bowl history to help the Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Two years later, he was benched in Super Bowl LII. The Patriots lost that game to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Belichick never explained why Butler was benched. There have been several theories about why the controversial decision was made. Even Butler says he was never given a reason.

The Patriots could certainly use cornerback help, as they lost JC Jackson in free agency. The 32-year-old Butler would likely come at a reasonable price.