Player Page

Weather | Roster

Victor Butler | Linebacker

Team: New Orleans Saints
Age / DOB:  (25) / 7/29/1987
Ht / Wt:  6'2' / 249
College: Oregon State
Contract: view contract details
Share: 

Latest News

Recent News

Saints signed OLB Victor Butler to a two-year, $3M contract.
Butler, 25, has 11 career sacks and four forced fumbles across four seasons, though he's only played 803 career snaps, per Pro Football Focus. The typical starting 3-4 rush linebacker plays 900-1,000 snaps. While Butler is considered a weak run defender, he has edge speed the Saints desperately need. He also played for new New Orleans defensive coordinator Rob Ryan in Dallas last year. Butler will compete for a starting job with Junior Galette, Will Smith, Martez Wilson, and whomever the Saints add in April's draft. We like Butler's chances of at least earning a significant role in sub-packages -- all-out pass-rush downs. Mar 28 - 1:11 PM
Source: Nakia Hogan on Twitter

Highest Searched Players over the last 7 days


Player News

Date:
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Saints "plan" to sign free agent OLB Victor Butler.

Schefter didn't report a deal is done, but it'd be a nice pickup for New Orleans as new coordinator Rob Ryan installs a 3-4 defense. The Saints are needy at outside-rush 'backer and Butler spent the last four seasons backing up DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer in Dallas. Still only 25 years old, Butler has flashed big-time pass-rush ability in past spot play. He is also a plus special teamer.
Related: Saints
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
Mar 28 - 12:35 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler left his Eagles visit without a contract, but the sides have "mutual interest" in getting a deal done.

Butler's visit to contract ratio is now 0:4, suggesting his asking price simply isn't in line with his market value. With no other trips currently scheduled, however, it's possible he's on the verge of finally making a decision.
Related: Eagles
Source: Jeff McLane on Twitter
Mar 26 - 5:31 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler is undergoing a physical with the Eagles Tuesday morning.

This doesn't mean a deal is imminent, but the Eagles appear seriously interested. It's a mild surprise with Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry already penciled in as outside linebackers in their new 3-4.
Related: Eagles
Source: Jeff McLane on Twitter
Mar 26 - 11:05 AM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler's Browns visit has ended and he is now en route to Philly for a meeting with the Eagles.

Butler's agent is racking up frequent flier miles while spinning his client around the league. Butler has now visited the Browns, Saints, and Steelers while also drawing interest from the Jets. The Eagles are deep at outside 'backer after the Connor Barwin signing. Perhaps their visit is a smokescreen aimed at getting teams to believe they want another one at No. 4 in the draft.
Related: Eagles, Browns
Source: Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter
Mar 25 - 4:10 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler is currently taking a physical in Cleveland.

It doesn't mean a deal is imminent, but one could be. Butler also took a physical during his Saints visit. The Browns' starting outside 'backer duo is set with Jabaal Sheard opposite Paul Kruger, but they are lacking for depth and (smartly) taking the approach that you can never have enough pass rushers.
Related: Browns
Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Mar 25 - 12:32 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler left his Saints visit without a contract and is scheduled to meet with the Browns next.

The Cleveland meeting is scheduled for Monday. Butler's visit lasted two days in New Orleans, but the sides didn't come to an agreement. Previously in free agency, Butler visited the Steelers and drew strong interest from the Jets.
Related: Browns, Saints
Source: Larry Holder on Twitter.
Mar 22 - 6:38 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

The New Orleans Times-Picayune characterizes the mutual interest between the Saints and free agent OLB Victor Butler as "high."

Butler's Saints visit will continue for a second day on Friday. Butler is expected to visit more teams if he escapes without a contract. He visited the Steelers last week. The Saints appear intent on signing the soon-to-be former Cowboy, but the fact that he's still on the market suggests his demands aren't in line with his value.
Related: Saints
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune
Mar 22 - 9:55 AM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler will visit the Saints on Thursday.

It has already been reported that the Saints are high on Butler's wish list, and Butler has experience playing under DC Rob Ryan the last two seasons. New Orleans already has Martez Wilson, Junior Galette, and Will Smith as edge rushers, but you can never have enough of them. Beat writer Larry Holder adds that "mutual interest is high," and he would be "surprised" if Butler isn't signed.
Related: Saints
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Mar 20 - 10:01 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler left his Steelers visit without a contract.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune has been on top of Butler's whereabouts the last couple of days. Butler reportedly wants to join the Saints, but it's unclear if they'll bring him in for a visit.
Related: Saints, Steelers
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune
Mar 15 - 9:32 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

The Saints are high on free agent OLB Victor Butler's wish list.

Butler is currently visiting the Steelers, and they're reportedly pushing hard to land him to replace James Harrison. If he makes it out of Pittsburgh, then the next stop would likely be New Orleans with old defensive boss Rob Ryan. Butler, Martez Wilson, and Junior Galette would be a solid trio of young pass rushers. The Jets are reportedly targeting Butler, but the interest may not be mutual.
Related: Saints
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune
Mar 14 - 8:31 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Free agent OLB Victor Butler is visiting the Steelers on Thursday, and drawing interest from "several" teams.

The secret's out. We've touted Butler as one of the market's hidden gems, and it appears GMs agree. He'd be a nice get for a Steelers club that's been shedding talent instead of adding it. The Jets are also believed to be interested.
Related: Steelers
Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Mar 13 - 11:13 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

The New York Daily News reports the Jets are targeting free agent OLB Victor Butler.

Butler is one of the top under-the-radar free agents on the market. He'll turn just 26 this summer and has been stuck behind DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer in Dallas for the last four seasons. Butler has 11 career sacks in very limited snaps, and he played under coach Rex Ryan's brother, Rob, the last two years. Free agents Bryan Thomas and Calvin Pace aren't expected back.
Related: Jets
Source: New York Daily News
Mar 10 - 2:59 PM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

ESPN Dallas says it's time for the Cowboys to let impending free agent OLB Victor Butler "test the market."

Butler, just last summer, was once "penciled in" as Anthony Spencer's heir apparent at outside linebacker with the Cowboys. Now, with a switch to a 4-3 defense under Monte Kiffin, Butler doesn't have a spot. He's never showed consistency when it comes to rushing the passer, but Butler also hasn't been able to get on the field behind Spencer and DeMarcus Ware. He should draw significant interest if he indeed gets to test the free-agent waters.
Source: ESPN Dallas
Jan 28 - 10:58 AM
Victor Butler - LB - Saints

Victor Butler is penciled in as Anthony Spencer's heir apparent at outside linebacker.

Spencer, the team's franchise player this season, will turn 29 in January and figures to command a hefty payday next offseason. The Cowboys could choose to move on to Butler, a 2009 fourth-rounder who had three sacks and 10 hurries in limited playing time last season. Anyone lining up opposite DeMarcus Ware will see plenty of single blocks. Rookie Kyle Wilber is also in the mix as a pass-rushing outside linebacker.
Related: Anthony Spencer, Kyle Wilber
Source: Dallas Morning News
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 10:45:00 AM

Depth Charts

Skill Players
PosRoleName
QB1Drew Brees
2Seneca Wallace
3Luke McCown
4Ryan Griffin
RB1Mark Ingram
2Darren Sproles
3Pierre Thomas
4Travaris Cadet
5Khiry Robinson
GLB1Mark Ingram
2Pierre Thomas
3RB1Darren Sproles
2Pierre Thomas
FB1Jed Collins
WR11Marques Colston
2Joe Morgan
3Kenny Stills
4Courtney Roby
5Andy Tanner
WR21Lance Moore
2Nick Toon
3Chris Givens
4Saalim Hakim
5Jarred Fayson
WR31Joe Morgan
TE1Jimmy Graham
2Ben Watson
3Michael Higgins
4Keavon Milton
K1Garrett Hartley
2Jose Maltos