After sitting out the 2022 campaign and settling for a reserve/futures contract with the Raiders last January, Butler proceeded to have one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2023. He finished the campaign having compiled 28 tackles and five sacks, and despite not starting any of his 17 appearances, he got into close to half of the Raiders’ defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked Butler as a slightly above-average interior defender in 2023, although the site was particularly high on his pass-rush ability.

Butler spent four seasons with the Patriots to begin his career, including 2019 and 2020 campaigns where he combined for 10 sacks. He inked a two-year deal with Miami in 2021, but he only lasted one season with the team before getting released due to a failed physical. Butler ended up sitting out that subsequent 2022 campaign, but he rebounded nicely during his lone season in Las Vegas.

Butler should provide some continuity to the Raiders’ new-look DT corps in 2024. The team brought in a major name in Christian Wilkins to lead the grouping, while Bilal Nichols and Jerry Tillery both left via free agency (John Jenkins remains unsigned). Butler could be in line for an even bigger role next season, although the Raiders will surely look for additional depth through the draft.