Raiders Under Contract: DT Matthew Butler

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Aidan Champion | Last updated 2/16/24

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler did not really prove himself to be anything more than a practice squad asset this past season.

After playing six games for the Raiders his rookie season, Butler made just two appearances in his 2023 campaign, posting just one tackle.

Even his 2023 preseason was quite underwhelming for a player who showed promise in his rookie season, as Butler totaled just five tackles in three games.

Butler made the most of his opportunities in his rookie campaign, recording five tackles, half a sack, and a quarterback hit. His half a sack was part of a crucial play late in the third quarter of the Raiders' 27-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium, as he and former Raiders edge rusher Clelin Ferrell brought down Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, which helped lead to an eventual Chargers punt while Las Vegas held an 11-point lead.

The Raiders selected Butler in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. They would sign him to a rookie deal worth $3.9 million.

Butler played five seasons at the University of Tennessee, where he made a big leap as one of the best interior defensive lineman in the SEC in his final season (2021). He finished the season with 47 combined tackles, 8.5 for losses, five sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble in 13 games.

Butler totaled 152 combined tackles, 16.0 for losses, 9.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles in his 44 games as a Volunteer.

This next season will be a crucial one for Butler, who is going to have to take the next step to prove he is deserving of an extension. But first, he will need to make some noise in training camp and use his two years of professional experience to his advantage.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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