NFL Free Agency 2014: Potential Targets For The Denver Broncos
By Andrew Dill
September 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler (56) and defensive end Corey Liuget (back) during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Donald Butler, ILB, San Diego Chargers
Donald Butler is a solid middle linebacker as he proved last season with the San Diego Chargers. Butler and the Chargers have resumed contract negotiations according to Rotoworld.com, which is not a good sign for the Broncos in free-agency. Denver has lacked a stout middle linebacker presence since Al Wilson was with the team.
This season, the Broncos tried sliding outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard into the middle and as a result, his production went down. Woodyard broke out with the Broncos in the 2012 season, collecting a career-high 117 tackles, 73 solo, 5.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Woodyard was lost this season and was benched in week 14 against the Tennessee Titans. He would record 84 tackles, 48 solo, 1,5 sacks and 1 interception.
Donald Butler has been a key member of the San Diego Chargers defense for the past three seasons and has dealt with some injury history. The linebacker would miss a couple of games this season with a groin injury as he appeared in just 13 regular season games. In the Divisional Round Game against the Denver Broncos, Butler would suffer a concussion. Butler would accumulate 84 tackles this season, 71 solo, 0.5 sacks. and 1 interception.