Barrett Brooks weighs in on the Eagles’ draft strategy and which player they should be targeting heavily in the middle of the first round.
Remember when the Patriots randomly didn't play cornerback Malcolm Butler vs. the Eagles in Super Bowl LII, and then then they lost, and then he left in free agency?
And remember when we learned last year that he was benched just because Matt Patricia was angry about Butler's effort level in a single practice?
Well, the Patriots have decided to bring Butler back. With a number of the same coaches in place, and Patricia on the staff.
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Weird!
NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry is reporting that Butler, 32, is returning to the Pats on a two-year deal. To many he's remembered as the guy responsible for Tom Brady's fifth ring, the one who intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line when Pete Carroll decided to throw instead of run.
For Eagles fans, though, Butler is definitely best known for the numerous times during the Super Bowl that the camera cut to him standing on the sideline as Nick Foles threw the ball all over the yard en route to a Super Bowl MVP.
NFL
Here's the full story behind his benching again:
"In the lead-up to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles, Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia traded heated words at practice over the former Super Bowl hero's lack of effort. Butler was demoted. At the team party after New England's loss, Butler responded to teammates asking why he was benched by saying, 'These dudes,' referring to the coaches, according to the book, 'these mother f---ers.'"
So dumb. These are professionals! Butler is a Super Bowl hero! Who cares if he gave 80% effort on a drill in a practice? Between stories like this from New England, and then the way all of his ex-players reacted when the Lions let him go from his head coaching gig, Patricia really seems like one of the worst guys in the league to play for.
Can't blame Butler for leaving in free agency and heading to Tennessee to cash in. I never would've talked to anyone in the Patriots' organization ever again.
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But it resulted in a Super Bowl parade down Broad Street, so - thanks, Matt!
In any case, I'd imagine there will be one or two awkward conversations up in Foxboro this season. How strange.
