The Redskins learned late Thursday night that the St. Louis Rams have decided to match Washington's contract offer for restricted free agent cornerback Jerametrius Butler.
The Redskins offered Butler a contract last Friday, giving the Rams one week to match, according to NFL rules.
The Rams consider Butler, a third-year pro out of Kansas State and a speedy cover corner, to be a young, up-and-coming defensive back and decided to retain him on their roster.
The 5-10, 181-pounder logged four interceptions and 64 tackles last year in St. Louis.
If the Redskins had obtained Butler, they would have surrendered to the Rams a fifth-round selection in the 2004 NFL Draft. But the Redskins now retain the pick, one of two selections the team currently have in the draft. (The other is a first-round pick, fifth overall.)
