5 Panthers who’ll benefit most from major 2022 offseason changes
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers will benefit most from another frantic offseason period ahead of the 2022 campaign?
It has been another turbulent offseason period for the Carolina Panthers with plenty of twists and turns as expected. Although some of it hasn’t painted the organization in a good light, the recruitment on the playing side has left reasons to be encouraged about improved fortunes in 2022.
The Panthers might not be done just yet. They boast just over $24 million in cap space with only quarterback Matt Corral to sign from their draft class, so there is some financial leeway to strengthen problem positions if the right opportunities come along.
We’ll know for sure one way or another with training camp on the immediate horizon. But there seems to be a far better strategy to acquiring reinforcements than at any stage during Matt Rhule’s time in Carolina so far.
With this in mind, here are five Panthers who’ll benefit most from a frantic 2022 offseason ahead of the new campaign.
Panther No. 1
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
The Carolina Panthers did almost nothing to replace Haason Reddick after allowing the stud edge rusher to depart in free agency. This is the biggest indicator yet of the confidence in Yetur Gross-Matos, who is set for a significant surge in playing time opposite Brian Burns on the defensive front.
Gross-Matos has shown promise as a pass-rusher and against the run. The former Penn State standout is expected to take a giant leap in his third season and show people exactly why the Panthers brought him on board at No. 38 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Carolina could bring in more assistance before Week 1. But all signs point to Gross-Matos becoming a key component to any success that comes their way.