Butler made 47 tackles (29 solo) and had one passed defensed across 17 regular-season appearances with the Commanders in 2024. Butler acted as a regular rotational contributor in the secondary for Washington, though he struggled to make a significant impact with his defensive opportunities. The 2022 fourth-round pick is now entering the final year of his rookie deal with the Commanders.
Quan Martin has been getting most of the first-team reps at free safety ahead of Butler and Darrick Forrest, Hogs Haven's Jamual Forrest reports. Butler and Forrest both made starts under the previous coaching staff but now appear headed for backup roles under Dan Quinn. Moving Butler to free safety frees up the slot corner role for rookie second-round pick Mike Sainristil, who was one of the top collegiate players at that spot for Michigan the past two seasons. Butler and Forrest might even end up competing for a single roster spot.
Butler (wrist) is participating at Washington's organized team activities, Stephen Whyno of the team's official website reports. Butler missed the final two games of the 2023 season due to a wrist injury. The severity of the injury was unknown at that time, but his presence at OTAs indicates his health is back up to par. He projects to start at free safety in the upcoming season opposite Jeremy Chinn.