4 Panthers defenders that could benefit from Deshaun Watson trade

(Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports) Deshaun Watson
(Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports) Deshaun Watson /
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(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Yetur Gross-Matos /

Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DL

It was already expected that the 2020 second-round pick would find an elevated role in 2022, as it becomes clearer that Carolina Panthers sack leader Haason Reddick will not be re-signed in the upcoming free agency period.

However, if Brian Burns is traded in part of a deal for Deshaun Watson it would see Carolina lose both its premium edge rush pairing that combined for 20 sacks in 2021. This would suddenly elevate Gross-Matos to the Panthers’ premier edge rusher in his third year.

The former Penn State man-made big strides in his second year after injuries disrupted his rookie season. While he showed signs of improvement under Phil Snow in 2021, whether or not Gross-Matos is ready to be Carolina’s major threat on the edge remains to be seen.

Regardless of this trade, the fact Reddick seemingly won’t be returning could be a sign of the coaching staff’s confidence in Gross Matos to step into the void and take on a more important role in the defense.

Despite it being reported that Burns was the only Panther not available in trade talks, Gross-Matos may suddenly find himself in the hot seat to lead Carolina’s defensive edge that had success in 2021 if the Houston Texans insist on the Florida State product as part of the deal.