4 Carolina Panthers players set for bigger roles after 2022 offseason

Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DL

The Carolina Panthers decided not to match Haason Reddick’s offer from the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. This means the pass-rush will be without an 11-sack performer next season and the organization did not do much in free agency or the 2022 NFL Draft to replace the former first-round selection.

This was the biggest vote of confidence yet in Yetur Gross-Matos. Although it’s been a frustrating start to his professional career, the defensive lineman has flashed enough promise to suggest that more could be on the way with an increase in responsibilities.

Gross-Matos has the explosiveness needed to make a difference rushing from the edge. The Panthers also slotted the Penn State product on the interior when needed as a three-technique in 2021 with great success.

All signs point to Gross-Matos starting opposite Brian Burns on the defensive front barring another late acquisition by the Panthers or someone else demonstrating a substantial amount of growth. Year 3 is when we typically see major strides from defensive linemen across the league and this is the same bar that the 2020 second-round pick should be aiming for.

Now is the time for Gross-Matos to make a bigger contribution.

And it looks like the coaching staff is willing to give him every opportunity next time around.