According to WEEI, the Patriots have signed 41st pick overall Darius Butler to a 4-year contract. Monetary figures were not disclosed as of yet. This information was also mentioned on Drew Rosenhaus’ twitter feed, who happens to be Butler’s agent.
Butler, who was a star cornerback for the UConn Huskies, looks to be in line to compete with second-year man Jonathan Wilhite for the nickelback position. Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, both brought in during free-agency, are the likely opening-day starters.
Four years is the maximum contract length for a 2nd-rounder under the current rules. Picks 1-16 can be signed to a six year deal, while picks 17-32 can be signed to a five year deal.
Rich Ohrnberger, a fourth-round pick by the Patriots, is the only other Patriot rookie to have signed at present.
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Tags: Contracts, Darius Butler
@gopatsgo – couldn’t agree more, always glad to dodge a Rosenhaus bullet.
@anon – While he might not start, nickelback is a definite possibility for him.
Darius Butler won’t even start. Non-factor.
Great news for the Patriots to have him in camp on time. Was worried that Rosenhaus would screw us.