According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, former New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler intends to sign a contract with the Tennessee Titans when the new league year begins on Wednesday. The NFL Network's Ian Rapaport adds that Butler's deal is for five years and $61 million, $30 million of which is guaranteed.

Butler was relatively unknown before his Super Bowl-clinching interception against the Seattle Seahawks back in 2015. He eventually evolved into a critical piece of New England's secondary, but Bill Belichick surprisingly benched him (apart from special teams) for their defeat this past February to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Butler made his meteoric rise after going undrafted in 2014 out of West Alabama, earning a spot on New England's roster after receiving a tryout. He supplanted Darrelle Revis as the team's number one corner in 2015.

Butler now lands in Tennessee with former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel taking over as the new head coach, in addition to general manager Jon Robinson, who served various roles in New England's personnel department from 2002 to 2013.

Butler is the second marquee free agent that the Patriots have let go along with wide receiver Danny Amendola, who is signing with the Miami Dolphins.

With this signing, Tennessee lands one of the most durable cornerbacks in the league. Per ESPN:

“Butler's durability was impressive in his time with the Patriots, as he played 98.8 percent of the defensive snaps in 2015, followed by 96.7 and 97.8 in the next two seasons. Teammates nicknamed him “Strap” because of his ability to closely cover receivers, and also “Scrap” for his scrappy style of play.”

This is the second straight year Tennessee has signed away a Patriots defensive back. Last year, they agreed to a deal with Logan Ryan.