Former San Diego State safety Eric Butler, Jr., signed with the New England Patriots today, per a release by the team.

In four seasons at SDSU, Butler totaled 119 tackles. 5.5 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed, and returned an interception for a touchdown over 48 games.

In addition to starting 23 games in his junior and senior seasons, Butler was a standout special teams performer, blocking multiple kicks as an underclassman.

Butler (6-2, 195) went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and was invited to rookie minicamp with the Raiders and Saints in the spring. He worked out with the Patriots last week and signed the contract today.

As a Class of 2022 member and still unsigned in the NFL (before today), Butler was in a position to potentially return to college and play a fifth season at SDSU, given the recent ruling by a Colorado judge.

Butler discussed that option with the staff at SDSU this past week while waiting for a final NCAA ruling on eligibility.

Eric Butler Jr. was in San Diego and even attended the first day of Fall Camp as a bystander on Wednesday.

Butler will join the Patriots training camp and could play preseason snaps as soon as next Thursday, August 13, when the Patriots host the Colts.

Andre Haghverdian

Avid sports fan and historian of basketball, baseball, football and soccer. UC San Diego and San Diego State alumni living in America’s Finest City. Diverse team following across multiple sports leagues, but Aztecs come first in college athletics.