The Carolina Panthers were ecstatic to see Vernon Butler in training camp in the best shape he's been in his four seasons in the NFL. The 2016 first-rounder dropped the weight this offseason in an effort to make an impact for the team this year.

Via Joseph Person in The Athletic:

“I’ve just got to go show them what I should have been showing them. I just want to go out there and prove them (wrong) — make plays, get to the quarterback,” Butler said. “I feel like it’s something I can do. I’ve been working my ass off this offseason. It’s something I’m going to do this season.”

Over the offseason, Butler lost a total of 15 pounds to put himself in a better position to produce for Carolina this year. So far in his career, the defensive tackle has yet to live up to the hype of being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Article Continues Below
More Carolina Panthers News
image thumbnail
3 hottest Panthers takes coming out of 2025 minicampDouglas Fritz ·
Hunter Renfrow, Panthers
2 Panthers in danger of getting cut after 2025 minicampDouglas Fritz ·
Two mystery players in the middle, Bryce Young, coach Dave Canales around them, Carolina Panthers logo in the background
2 Carolina Panthers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL seasonEnzo Flojo ·
image thumbnail
3 Panthers veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Ben Strauss ·
image thumbnail
Rising Panthers rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsDouglas Fritz ·
NFC cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams (5) reacts against the AFC during the Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Panthers urged to outbid Rams for Jalen Ramsey tradeBen Strauss ·

The Panthers took Butler with the 30th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech. In his rookie season, the defensive lineman totaled 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.

Over the past three seasons, Butler hasn't shown much improvement as a player for the Panthers. Earlier this offseason, Carolina declined to pick up Butler's fifth-year option for 2020.

Through three seasons in the NFL, Butler has yet to start in any games. Due to his lack of production, the former first-round pick has been labeled as a bust in the media.

The fourth-year defensive tackle understands why the organization decided against it but he is motivated to prove them wrong this season. Butler will need to convey what he's done this offseason and put it into action in the 2019 season.