Malcolm Butler’s stay on injured reserve has ended after nine days.
The New England Patriots reached an injury settlement with the veteran cornerback on Thursday, according to the NFL transaction wire, making him a free agent.
Butler, 32, had been placed on injured reserve as rosters around the league reduced from 90 to 85 active players midway through August. He started the preseason opener against the New York Giants prior to suffering a reported hip injury, finishing with one tackle and one fumble recovery through 23 defensive snaps.
In March, New England reunited with the 2014 undrafted tryout from West Alabama on a two-year contract carrying $750,000 in guarantees.