Malcolm Butler, despite not playing any meaningful snaps in the Super Bowl, was still viewed as one of the best cornerbacks on the market when free agency opened last month. The talented young cornerback eventually signed with the Tennessee Titans on a five-year deal worth $61 million, but he admitted to Sports Illustrated TV that the Chicago Bears offered him a three-year deal worth $30 million. The Houston Texans also offered him a deal and the Detroit Lions showed interest without a formal offer.

Undrafted out of West Alabama in 2014, Butler signed with the New England Patriots that offseason. As a rookie he appeared in 11 games with one starts, recording 15 tackles and three pass deflections. During Super Bowl XLIX, Butler entered the game in the second half as a replacement for nickelback Kyle Arrington. Butler had his own up-and-down moments while on the field that culminated in him making the biggest play of the game. With the Seahawks down 28-24 and the ball near the goal line, the Seattle opted to throw the football instead of putting the ball in running back Marshawn Lynch's hands. Butler read the play perfectly, fighting to get in front of wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, securing the game-winning interception. It was the first interception of his NFL career.

The next season for the Patriots he took over as the starter in all 16 games. He ended the season with 67 tackles, 15 pass deflections and two interceptions. That offseason he went to his first Pro Bowl. He backed up that strong performance by starting all 16 games again in 2016, ending the year with 63 tackles, 17 pass deflections and a career-high four interceptions. Last year he appeared in all 16 games with 15 starts, recording 60 tackles, one sack, 12 pass deflections, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. Despite a strong regular season, he was eventually benched late in the playoffs and played just one special teams snap in the Super Bowl.

Even though Butler fell out of favor late in the 2017 season, he was still among the most productive cornerbacks during the year. New England head coach Bill Belichick's decision to not play Butler in the Super Bowl could have a lot to do with why he did not receive many offers on the open market.

When it comes to the Bears, it is not surprising that the team kicked the tires on the young cornerback. Chicago already placed the transition tag on Kyle Fuller at the time and still had a need at the position opposite of him. When Butler agreed to sign with the Titans, the Bears acted quickly and re-signed veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara to a three-year deal worth $27 million.

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Considering the Bears offered him $10 million per year, compared to the over $12 million per year with the Titans, it is not surprising Butler chose more money and more years to stay in the AFC.