Butler seals the deal
He nets a 4-year, $4.1m contract
Cornerback Darius Butler looked as if he was progressing ahead of schedule during the offseason, and now he’s reached terms on a rookie contract sooner than expected.
The third of the Patriots’ four 2009 second-round picks (No. 41 overall), Butler agreed to a four-year, $4.125 million deal yesterday. He is only the second of New England’s 12 draft picks to reach a deal, joining offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger, a fifth-round pick, who signed a four-year deal worth about $2.2 million June 12.
The 23-year-old Butler is part of an improved cornerback corps for the Patriots, who brought in veterans Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs and drafted Butler to push second-year corners Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley. Butler flashed good ball skills and athleticism during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. The 5-foot-10-inch, 183-pound University of Connecticut product also took turns as a kickoff returner.
Butler’s performance may have played a part in motivating the Patriots to get his deal wrapped up sooner rather than later.
“I think you have to ask the Patriots that, but I don’t think there is any question that they think a lot of Darius,’’ said Drew Rosenhaus, Butler’s agent. “Coach [Bill ] Belichick is one of the best evaluators of defensive backs in the game. Darius’s performance helped motivate the Patriots to get this done. You have to credit Darius and the Patriots.’’
Rosenhaus said that because of the good working relationship he has with Belichick and Patriots senior adviser Floyd Reese, who is handling the team’s contracts, negotiations were “very smooth.’’
“We established some parameters that were fair for both sides,’’ said Rosenhaus, who announced the signing on his Twitter page. “We have a lot in common. They have four second-round picks, so do we; between us we dominate the round. What helped get it done is Darius is going to do some great things for the Patriots. I believe he’ll be a strong contributor.’’
According to an NFL source, Butler’s deal calls for more than $2 million guaranteed in the form of a $440,000 roster bonus and a $1.6275 million option bonus. His base salaries will be $310,000 (2009), $395,000 (2010), $582,000 (2011), and $770,000 (2012).
“I think it’s important to be the first one to sign,’’ said Rosenhaus. “The early bird gets the worm. I feel confident it’s a deal that is good for the Patriots and my client. It will hold up well for everyone involved. I look forward to doing more deals with the Patriots.’’
“I believe it helps a little bit having that extra year under my belt, even though I didn’t get to play,’’ said Williams. “You definitely get a better feel for the scheme and for the defense when you’re out there playing with the guys, but I feel comfortable with my knowledge of the defense, and I feel comfortable in my ability to make plays. So, I’m just looking forward to having a fresh start this training camp and going out there and performing like I know I can.’’
“Money is the root of all things. That’s why we have things like this and we try and fund the research,’’ said Andruzzi, who was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma in 2007, but has been cancer-free since March. “Without things like this and without research I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you.’’
Left guard Logan Mankins, kicker Stephen Gostkowski, center/guard Russ Hochstein, running backs coach Ivan Fears, and former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson participated.
“Time is flying right now,’’ said Mankins. “When you get this close [to camp], every day seems to fly by. We’re kind of on a little break right now, so everyone is getting away from football until we show up, and we’ll be ready to go.’’
