Vernon Butler Likely Facing Uphill Battle to Stick on Giants 53-man Roster
Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 325 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 1 / GS 0, 4 total tackles (2 solo)
Vernon Butler joined the New York Giants last season for his seventh NFL campaign, but his numbers made him seem nearly nonexistent on the playing field. In one appearance with the team, the 28-year-old tallied just four tackles for the lowest single-game performance in his career.
Butler was drafted 30th overall in the 2016 draft by the Carolina Panthers, for whom he played four seasons. Interestingly, Butler didn’t start a contest until his final season with the franchise. He also spent two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he appeared in 24 games with ten starts, accumulating 29 tackles, 5 for a loss, and one forced fumble.
At the collegiate level, Butler spent three years at Louisiana Tech, where he recorded two seasons of at least 50 tackles and was named a first-team All-Conference USA member in his final year. He entered the draft as one of the highly sought-after defensive tackles on the board, but his NFL career has yet to see a campaign as lucrative as his days in the Bayou.
Best Case Scenario
What allows Butler to remain in the building is his veteran experience. Like the other positions, the Giants want to find as much of a balance as they can between journeyman talent and young pieces to ensure success both now and in the future.
The Giants could want D.J. Davidson (once healthy) and draft pick Jordon Riley to develop on the practice squad before calling on them for a larger role. This would then give veterans like Butler, who, if he has a solid summer, a chance to become part of the defensive line depth the team is trying to build on its 53-man roster.
Worst Case Scenario
The Giants have dedicated much of their financial resources this offseason to fortify their defensive line. From extending Dexter Lawrence to a four-year, $90 million contract to handing free agent deals to Rakeem Nunez-Riches and A’Shawn Robinson, many candidates on the front lines with more experience and production will be vying for a roster spot.
That could mean that Butler ends up getting lost in the wash. Beyond that is the issue of depth, as the Giants could likely seek to give more spots to other defensive positions that have been needed in the offseason, such as linebacker and safety, taking away a roster spot on the defensive line in the process.
In terms of the pressure aspect of his game, Butler has never been a high-quality pass rusher or run stuffer in much of his time in the pros. He’s only received a 70+ grade from Pro Football Focus once for his run defense (in 2017).
The Giants want the experience to a degree, but production will be just as important. And unless Butler makes the most of his snaps this summer, his chances of hanging around aren't very promising.
What to Expect in 2023
Barring injury, Leonard Williams, Lawrence, Nunez-Roches, and Robinson are all locks to be on the roster along the defensive line. That leaves Butler, D.J. Davidson, Ryder Anderson, and Jordon Riley competing for maybe two open spots.
Depending on how the numbers shake out, Butler does have an outside (albeit slim) chance of finding his way onto the roster. But realistically speaking, his path likely hinges on the health and production of those before him.
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