The odds have been against Adam Butler at every step of his NFL career, but the Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle was never going to let that dictate his future.
After four years at Vanderbilt, Butler went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. That’s when now-former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called and welcomed him to Foxborough.
As an undrafted free agent with the Patriots, Butler not only made the team, but proceeded to make an appearance in all 16 contests. He then appeared in each and every game the following season. 2019 was the same story with yet another 16 games played.
In fact, to this point in time, there has only been one contest throughout his entire career that he hasn’t appeared in–sort of.
After four successful seasons in New England, Butler reached a two-year deal with the Dolphins in 2021. The Vanderbilt alum played in all 17 contests his first year with Miami, but a failed physical during the 2022 offseason led to him getting cut and going the entire season without a contract from any club.
But that’s not how Butler’s story ends.
In January of 2023, Butler inked a future contract with the Raiders. He made the most of this opportunity by not only making the 53-man roster, but seeing time on the field during each of the team’s 17 contests. More than that, the 30-year-old received an extension with the Silver and Black at the end of the season.
Butler’s play in 2023 greatly impressed both his coaches and teammates. Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ two-time All-Pro edge rusher, is certainly no exception.
Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby gives words of praise to Adam Butler
On Wednesday, during the Raiders’ final practice at Costa Mesa, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and former Raider Gerald McCoy sat down to talk with Maxx Crosby. During this interview, McCoy asked Crosby a question about Las Vegas newcomer Christian Wilkins.
But Crosby didn’t want to talk about defensive tackles without giving Adam Butler some love, too.
“I’m super excited about [Wilkins], but it can’t go unnoticed the things that Adam Butler has done,” Crosby told McCoy. “Last year, having five sacks..”
One of the most underrated players in the league, I think.”
That’s big praise from the player who was voted 10th-best in the entire National Football League by his peers in 2024.
The praise is justified, too. Butler’s 70.2 pass rushing grade via Pro Football Focus ranked highest on the Raiders at his position. More impressively, his five sacks were more than all other defensive tackles on the roster had combined.
As a team, Las Vegas finished tied with the 13th-most sacks league-wide. This was the highest ranking the Raiders have had in this category in over a decade. For perspective, in 2022, Sin City ranked 30-of-32 in total sacks.
Adam Butler was a major contributor to this success, and nobody knows that more than Maxx Crosby.
