Following the debut of 2019's rendition of Amazon's All or Nothing featuring the Carolina Panthers, all eyes are on Charlotte's beloved team. However, now is not quite the time to reminisce on the 2018 season and what could've been, because the Panthers are entering training camp. One of the NFL's most improved teams of the off-season, by way of some star veteran signings, the Panthers will walk into training camp (July 25th), as a Super Bowl contender. But, with an improved roster, comes some roster cuts. Here are three potential release candidates.

3. Rashad Ross – WR

In case you don't remember the defunct AAF, wide receiver Rashad Ross was a star in the now-canceled league. A five-year NFL veteran before his playing time with the Arizona Hotshots, Ross made light work out of the minor league's defenders. In eight games, the wide-out racked up 36 catches for 583 yards and seven touchdowns. The speedster blew past defenses.

After the demise of the AAF, Ross signed on with the Panthers. A career return man, he's far from a guarantee to make the roster. The 29-year-old's frame is light (6-foot, 180-pounds), has historically dealt with injury concerns, and has just nine NFL catches to his name. Considering the speedy depth at Cam Newton's disposal highlighted by D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, Torrey Smith, Terry Godwin, and Jarius Wright, the Panthers don't have a need for speed.

2. Vernon Butler – DT

A first-round selection in 2016, Vernon Butler has been a colossal disappointment for Carolina. In 38 career games, the 6-foot-4, 330-pound defensive tackle has tallied just 45 tackles and 2.0 sacks. Though he's an athletic big man that can win on sheer power and quickness alone, his game is far from developed. For the last three seasons, he's been a limited contributor; instead, focusing on improvement — which hasn't shown.

The Panthers signed six-time Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to join Kawaan Short and Dontari Poe. The three creates one of the NFL's deepest, and most imposing defensive interiors. With spot-starter and rotational piece Kyle Love re-signed, the Panthers have four solid to great defensive tackles in place. NFL teams rarely bring in more than four defensive tackles, in turn, making Butler an obvious cut candidate.

Luckily, Butler's rookie contract isn't expensive to get rid of. Per Over The Cap, the Panthers would take a $1 cap hit in a release but would see an increase in $1.6 million.

1. Taylor Heinicke – QB

With third-round rookie and former West Virginia standout Will Grier in-fold, it should be clear who Cam Newton's backup is. However, the third-string option is less so — for the Panthers this slot is necessary considering Newton's injury concerns. Between Kyle Allen and Taylor Heineke, the popular choice tends to go for Allen's retainment. The former Texas A&M Aggie and Houston Cougar turned undrafted free agent is a promising prospect in his own right with good size and a big arm. This leaves Heinicke as the odd-man-out.

A feel-good story of 2018, Heinicke struggled to produce in his lone start the same season. The undersized quarterback (6-foot-1, 210-pounds) threw for 274 yards and a touchdown on a 62.3% completion rate, but he also threw three interceptions and lost 10-24. That start doesn't give a vote of confidence, and it will likely lead to a release in a potential-laden group. Expect to see Newton, Grier, and Allen as the trio for 2019. If Newton proves to be reliable, Allen may be a later release.