Should the Dallas Cowboys Make a Move for Malcolm Butler?

Recent news suggests Malcolm Butler is unhappy in New England and looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Could the Dallas Cowboys step in and make a move?

Recent reports suggest Malcolm Butler has been unhappy with his situation in New England, especially considering the massive contract they handed newly-signed free agent Stephon Gilmore. The contract was a bit out of character for Bill Belichick. The Patriots handed Gilmore more guaranteed money than any other defensive player in franchise history. This was an obvious sign that obtaining Gilmore had become more of a priority than retaining Butler.

While the Saints have been rumored to be freeing up cap space for a potential move on Butler, they don’t give him the best chance of playing for a championship-caliber team. This may sway Butler’s desire to go to New Orleans and instead look at other options. Enter Dallas Cowboys.

Now, Cowboys’ fans will immediately point to the lack of cap space in Dallas, and rightfully so. Dallas has restructured several contracts just to get under the limit and even more just to sign outside free agents. Will McClay and Stephen Jones have openly spoken against spending big bucks on free agents. As they’ve suggested, they instead focus on the drafting to address needs and paying their players. But there are some solid reasons why they should at least entertain the idea.

First, Dallas is coming off a stellar season, going 13-3 and leading the NFC. While there has been an apparent exodus on defense, the offense is largely in tact. Quareterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott appear primed for an even better sophomore season. The inclusion of Malcolm Butler immediately remedies the issues in the secondary and would elevate the defense as a whole.

Second, Butler just turned 27-years-old, and his best football is likely still ahead of him. It’s well-known that cornerback is one of the tougher transitions to the NFL. To sign someone who has already become one of the better players at the position is a better solution. Butler would immediately come in as the CB1 for this defense.

Finally, for those who stress about the cap space situation in Dallas, the moving of Tony Romo will help more than you know, even if the money doesn’t come until June 1. The savings would be felt even more in 2018, helping Dallas handle his contract beyond this season. It is true resources are not unlimited, but it’s a manageable situation that won’t prevent the Cowboys from having a bright future.

Dallas isn’t a likely destination as New Orleans seems to be making the biggest push, but this is the NFL, and if Dallas is willing to pony-up a pick or two, they could easily make this happen. Butler would improve the secondary more than either Carr or Claiborne and would be an anchor for a secondary in need of a spark.