Patriots release CB, Super Bowl hero Malcom Butler from injured reserve

For the second time, the New England Patriots and Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler are parting ways.

The Patriots announced Thursday that they are releasing the 32-year-old cornerback following an injury settlement with the veteran. The postseason hero was placed on injured reserve on August 16. Butler was in the midst of his second stint in New England after signing with the team as a unrestricted free agent this summer but had an up and down training camp, spending most of his time with the Patriots’ second string defensive unit.

Butler previously spent four seasons in New England after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Butler etched himself into NFL lore after intercepting Seahawks QB Russell Wilson’s late-game pass on the goalline to clinch the Patriots’ 4th championship. Butler would win a 2nd championship with the Patriots two years later, this time as a starter, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015.

Butler signed with the Tennessee Titans during the 2017 offseason after being benched in the Patriots’ 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

Butler was ineligible to play for New England again this season after being placed on injured reserve prior to the team’s 53-man roster cutdown but his release opens the door for the cornerback to sign and play with another team this season.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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