Entering the 2017 offseason, serious uncertainty surrounded the Dallas Cowboys receiving corps.
Outside of Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley, most expected a lot of brand new faces on the outside. Terrance Williams and Brice Butler were both entering free agency, and neither were expected back by most fans.
Instead, both returned to Dallas. And so far, fans should be thanking Brice Butler for choosing to do so, as he looks to be improved as the backup X receiver.
Thus far in the preaseason, Butler has totaled four catches for 109 yards in limited time, but he has looked more comfortable this preseason than he ever has in Dallas. During the Hall of Fame Game, Butler came down with what might be the best catch of the entire preseason, diving for a Kellen Moore-pass against Arizona.
Butler has had no issues flashing during his time in Dallas. Where his problem stands, however, is with the consistency of those flashes. Too often he makes a great or noteworthy play to increase the hype surrounding him, only to disappear for an extended period of time after.
Of course, Butler won't get the number of opportunities which some of his offensive teammates will. With big names like Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott, and Cole Beasley all on the same side of the ball, the fight for touches will be tough for Butler to win.
When he gets his chances, though, he must capitalize on them. And if the limited snaps and receptions of the preseason are any indication of what Brice Butler's 2017 season will look like, he will be pouncing on those chances.
