The Patriots have retained one of the anchors in the middle of their defensive line.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, restricted free agent Adam Butler has signed his tender. He’ll make $3.26 million in 2020. Though Butler was an undrafted free agent in 2017, New England tendered him at a second-round level, which speaks to what he’s shown Bill Belichick.
The tackle turned in a career year in 2019, sacking the quarterback six times from an interior position and playing 47% of the defensive snaps.
Butler has been remarkably durable, playing all 48 regular season games — and going seven-for-seven in the playoffs — during his first three seasons as a Patriot.