Cornerback Jerametrius Butler signed with the Redskins on June 7 and was out on the practice fields at Redskins Park the same day. He spoke to Redskins,com and media following his first practice as a Redskin:
Q: What are your thoughts on joining this defense and playing under assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams?
A: "It's a tough defense to match up against. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce always commented on how hard it was to go up against [a Gregg Williams defense] when we played the Redskins in St. Louis. Right now, I am learning and taking it step-by-step, learning the defense day-by-day."
Q: In learning this defense, how much is there to take in?
A: "It's my first time going through this as a free agent, so it's a lot to take in. My mind is going left and right and I am trying to get the hang of it. They have been working me into a few plays and I am learning"
Q: The Redskins have veteran cornerbacks Shawn Springs, Fred Smoot, Carlos Rogers and David Macklin on the roster. Why did you want to join a team with solid depth in the secondary?
A: "It is an opportunity to play. With the Rams I was starting, but I hurt [my hamstring] and I was not dressing [for games]. Here I might get the opportunity to play on special teams or defense. I just want to get out there and play."
Q: What other teams did you consider before signing in Washington?
A: "There were a couple of teams. Seattle and Buffalo called, but I really wanted to come to the Redskins because I had an offer with them three years ago."
Q: What do you have to do to make an impact on this team?
A: "I just have to go out there and do the things I did in the past when I was healthy. When I get on the field, I need to just make plays here and there and do whatever I can to make the team."
Q: What do you like about this team?
A: "There are a lot of young guys. Fred Smoot--he talks a lot, so I am trying to get used to that. He is really funny. With the Rams, there wasn't a lot of chatter in the secondary. We had a lot of veterans guys that just liked to relax. I am excited to be around the young guys."
Q: Do you prefer being around guys like Fred Smoot?
A: "Yeah, it's nice because they can really bring your spirits up. It is going to be fun to be here."
Q: You've been injured off and on the last two years. How is your knee?
A: "I am 100 percent. I was 100 percent last year, but unfortunately I hurt my hamstring and I missed the first preseason game and the opportunity went away."
