Seattle Signs Deon Butler

Deon Butler, the receiver drafted by Seattle in the third round of last April’s draft, has agreed to a four-year contract with the team.

According to a report from ProFootballTalk.com, Butler signed a four-year contract that includes a $680,750 signing bonus and could be worth up to $3.173 million.

The former Penn State Nittany Lion, who is responsible for breaking many of Bobby Engram’s old school records, was a player that Seattle targeted in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. Seattle traded their fifth-round and seventh-round choices in 2009 and their third-round pick in 2010 to obtain the rights to draft the talented wide receiver. Butler was drafted in the third round, 91st overall.

Although Butler is only 5’10” and 182 pounds, he was extremely productive while at Penn State and impressed scouts with off-season workouts – Butler ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, fourth among wide receivers at the combine. His crisp route running and history as a defensive back should aide him in his development as a wide receiver in the National Football League.

At Penn State, Butler caught 179 balls for 2,771 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 15.5 yards per catch. One can only hope his success continues at the professional level – with Seattle, of course.

Only two Seattle rookies remain unsigned: first-round pick Aaron Curry, and second-round pick Max Unger.