4 Carolina Panthers players set for bigger roles after 2022 offseason
By Dean Jones
![(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Marquis Haynes and Yetur Gross-Matos (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Marquis Haynes and Yetur Gross-Matos](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16474445-850x560-10b17f8afffa91a562d54e011ad7ae8cda6cccd75deac8c7325334ca0f29352a.jpg)
Carolina Panthers. YETUR GROSS-MATOS. 2. player. 87. . DL
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.