The New England Patriots have released cornerback Darius Butler. Butler, a second-round pick (41st overall) in the 2009 draft, appeared in 29 games over two seasons, registering 54 tackles and three interceptions. After starting five games at left corner in 2009 and registering all three of those interceptions, he started just three games in 15 appearances in 2010. Butler’s career took a U-turn after the first two games of the 2010 season, when he opened the year as a starter wearing New England Patriots jerseys but was benched after the second game, a 28-14 loss to the Jets in which he had trouble with receiver Braylon Edwards. He never got the job back, with former undrafted free agent Kyle Arrington seizing the opportunity.

Butler felt his time with the team might be coming to an end but took pride in not altering his approach. “Even with the feeling that something could have happened, or was likely to happen soon, I never changed my work ethic or how I went into work every day,” he said. “I’m ready for a fresh start, a fresh place, a fresh everything. I’m not down by any means. I’m just ready.” It seems that Butler didn’t have to wait long for his next opportunity. According to the Charlotte Observer, the Carolina Panthers have showed interest in him. Maybe it won’t be long for us to see him put on Carolina Panthers jerseys.