CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman mentioned Marvin McNutt among the young wide receivers he wanted to take a good look at when making the decision to cut Steve Smith in March.
He apparently didn't like what he saw.
McNutt was among 10 players released on Sunday as the Panthers reduced their roster to 79 players. Four more players must be cut by Tuesday.
Wide receiver Tiquan Underwood, signed to a two-year deal during the offseason, was the most high-profile departure. He was terminated as a vested veteran.
Underwood never showed the consistency the Panthers were hoping for to replace Ted Ginn Jr. as a speed receiver and kick returner. He had one catch for 5 yards in three preseason games.
Others released were wide receivers Toney Clemons and Kealoha Pilares, defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh, defensive ends Alex Hall and Craig Roh, tackle Oscar Johnson, linebacker Anthony Morales and punter Jordan Gay.
Pilares was the top candidate to become the kickoff returner early in training camp, but like Underwood he was too inconsistent as a receiver.
McNutt was even more inconsistent as a receiver. He had one catch for 5 yards in three preseason games and seemingly dropped as many passes as he caught in practice.
The Panthers are set at the top three receivers in first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin, Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant. Brenton Bersin appears set at No. 4, with undrafted rookie Philly Brown next because of his return capabilities.
After that it's down to Tavarres King and Marcus Lucas for the sixth spot, although that's not a given. Watch for the Panthers to keep a close eye on the waiver wire in the upcoming weeks to possibly fill that spot.
