Giants Tell James Butler to Test Free Agency
What to do?
Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 1:20 PMLike they did in 2008 with strong safety Gibril Wilson, General Manager Jerry Reese and the New York Giants have told free safety James Butler to test free agency, but to let them know before he signs a contract.
"They told me they're going to let me try out free agency but to keep them posted on what I find out there," Butler said. "I'll give them that opportunity because I want to be here. And I'm going to let the Giants see what's out there and if they match it, great. If not, I've done all I can do in four years with the Giants."
Whether or not the feeling is mutual remains to be seen.
In his four years with New York, Butler has made great strides, having the best game of his career on the NFL's grandest stage in Super Bowl XLII. But has he really established himself as a dominant and reliable safety? That's the question the Giants and their fans find themselves asking.
Butler isn't your typical safety. He's not extremely fast, he's not extraordinarily athletic and he's certainly no "Hulk." But Butler is an extremely intelligent and savvy player, who has a nose for the ball and a quick thought process that allows him to diagnose a play with amazing speed. He's the quarterback of the secondary and was highly thought of by former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
And with that, perhaps St. Louis is an option?
"He's staying," Justin Tuck said. "He's not going anywhere."
For the right price, Butler will be back in New York. But if Gibril-money is thrown at him, the Giants will just have to thank him for his services and ask him to never forget the great season of 2007.
MORE:
