Colts sign Darius Butler, release Trai Essex
The Indianapolis Colts have signed cornerback Darius Butler and released guard Trai Essex, the team said in a news release Tuesday.
Butler, 5-10, 185 pounds, has appeared in 42 career games (14 starts) and has registered 89 tackles (81 solo), 21 passes defensed, three interceptions and one forced fumble. He was originally selected by the New England Patriots in the second round (41st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. With the Patriots, Butler played in a total of 29 games, making eight starts. He recorded 58 tackles (55 solo), 14 passes defensed, three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown and one fumble recovery. He was waived by the Patriots on September 7, 2011 and claimed by the Carolina Panthers a day later.
With the Panthers last year, Butler tallied 31 tackles (26 solo) and seven passes defensed in 13 games played (six starts). He was waived by the Panthers prior to the start of the regular season on August 31, 2012.
Butler played four years at the University of Connecticut, starting all 45 games he played in. For his college career, he totaled 180 tackles, 26 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, and three forced fumbles.
Essex appeared in two games with the Colts this season. Over his eight-year career, he has competed in 78 games, making 28 starts.
