Matthew Butler

Career StatsD-

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		27	0.5	27	2
2025		12	0.0	12	1
2024		7	0.0	9	1
2023		2

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The D+ Contract Value Index on Matthew Butler's deal stems from how the cap hit lines up against on-field output. At $1.145M AAV on a one-year rookie scale contract, Butler is priced as a depth piece, and his 2025 season production—12 tackles across 12 games—reflects exactly that: minimal impact on a snap count that suggests rotational usage rather than a featured role. For a fourth-year defensive tackle at age 27, this salary is appropriate for a reserve contributor, though the performance grade (D-) signals that even at this bargain level, he's delivering below-average production relative to what the position typically demands. The CVI reflects Miami's pragmatic calculus: Butler costs almost nothing against the cap and provides system familiarity within the Dolphins' defensive rotation, which the media has framed as a sensible continuity move rather than a statement acquisition. His retention as part of a broader three-player re-signing package aligns with Miami's measured approach to interior defensive line depth while the organization targets more impactful pass-rush talent elsewhere—a realistic acknowledgment that Butler is a placeholder, not a solution. With just one year of runway and modest counting stats, there's minimal cap risk or upside volatility; what you see is what you get: a reliable rotational snap-taker who won't elevate Miami's defense but won't damage the salary cap either.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Matthew's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Production at defensive tackle earns Matthew Butler a D- performance grade in the current sample. The 27-year-old fourth-year player is operating as a below-average interior defensive lineman whose 2025 season output of 12 tackles across 12 games reflects the sort of minimal production you'd expect from a rotational depth piece rather than a starter or impact rotational contributor. His tackle count is the most concrete data point in an otherwise sparse statistical profile, and it underscores a player who is not consistently disruptive at the point of attack. Butler's durability—he appeared in all 12 games—at least demonstrates availability, which has some baseline value in a rotation, but the modest tackle total suggests he's operating in a limited snap share or simply not generating enough collisions to move the needle on defense. The media narrative pegs him exactly as Miami sees him: a "sensible" depth retention who keeps the defensive line rotation intact through system familiarity, not a player expected to elevate the unit. With the Dolphins' recent signings emphasizing edge rushers and linebackers, Butler's role remains that of a placeholder while the organization hunts for more impactful interior penetration through the draft and higher-profile acquisitions. He is reliable organizational depth—the kind of player a coaching staff is comfortable leaning on when rotation demands it—but he does not move the competitive needle for a Miami defense that still needs elite talent up front.

How Matthew Compares at the Position

Matthew Butler ranks 204th of 216 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Matthew between Rylie Mills (D-) just ahead and Eric Johnson II (D-) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Matthew Butler's re-signing with Miami has generated a lukewarm D+ reception from both media and fans, reflecting measured expectations for the defensive tackle's role moving forward. Multiple outlets framed the move as part of a sensible three-player retention package, emphasizing the value of system familiarity over raw talent acquisition. The consensus among analysts is that Butler represents a reliable depth piece who can contribute in Miami's defensive rotation, but hardly moves the needle in terms of impact or excitement. Dolphins fans appear cautiously optimistic about maintaining continuity, though most acknowledge this signing doesn't address their more pressing need for elite edge-rushing talent. The media narrative consistently positions Butler as a placeholder while the organization pursues more impactful defensive line additions through the draft. His retention signals Miami's preference for known commodities in their system, even if it means accepting middling production from the interior defensive line. The overall sentiment suggests Butler will provide competent rotational snaps, but expectations remain modest for any significant defensive improvement from his continued presence.