9:56 PM: Butler’s deal with the Colts is a two-year extension worth $5MM, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (via Twitter). Butler receives $1MM to sign and then $1.5MM and $2.5MM in base salaries over the next two seasons, respectively.
8:46 PM: The Colts have announced an extension for nickel cornerback Darius Butler, reports Kevin Bowen of Colts.com (via Twitter). The former second-round pick busted out with the Patriots, but has been a very solid player since arriving in Indianapolis in 2012.
With the extension, the team will return a trio of corners including Vontae Davis and Greg Toler who put their talents on display last season for a unit that finished fifth in pass coverage according to Pro Football Focus despite finishing 30th in pass rush (subscription required), an astonishing feat for two very interconnected aspects of the defense.
The three were never more on display than in the divisional playoff game against the Broncos, where they consistently draped some of the league’s top receivers and knocked down Peyton Manning passes.
Safety Mike Adams may be the next member of the secondary to receive a contract as the Colts try to roll back the strength of their defense for 2015, writes Mike Wells of ESPN (via Twitter).