Vernon Butler

Vernon Butler Jr. (born June 14, 1994) is an American football defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Louisiana Tech.

Early years
Butler attended North Pike High School in Summit, Mississippi. He played football, basketball and ran track. As a senior, he had 121 tackles and 13 sacks. Butler committed to Louisiana Tech University to play college football.

College career
As a true freshman at Louisiana Tech in 2012, Butler had 21 tackles. As a sophomore in 2013, he had 43 tackles with one sack and as a junior in 2014, he had 54 tackles and a sack. As a senior in 2015, Butler had 50 tackles with three sacks and was named first team All-Conference USA.

Professional career
Butler was selected in the first round with the 30th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers, becoming the highest Louisiana Tech Bulldog selected since Troy Edwards in 1999.

On May 13, 2016, the Carolina Panthers signed Butler to a four-year, $8.39 million contract that includes $7.94 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.30 million.

On May 2, 2019, the Panthers declined the fifth-year option on Butler's contract, making him a free agent in 2020.