5 Panthers players who could get slapped with the bust label in 2022

(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Terrace Marshall Jr.
(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Terrace Marshall Jr.
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Carolina Panthers
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Yetur Gross-Matos

Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DL

After the Carolina Panthers decided to let Haason Reddick leave in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles, a substantial increase in reps should be coming Yetur Gross-Matos’ way as a result. The former second-round selection flashed moments of brilliance during his sophomore campaign and there could be even more to come with additional responsibilities in Year 3.

Gross-Matos has the size, burst, and athleticism to pose significant problems. His versatility to operate on the edge or as a three-technique on the interior is a major asset, but it would be a big disappointment if the Penn State product wasn’t the Panthers’ starting defensive end opposite Brian Burns in 2022.

Carolina placed a lot of faith in Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes, and Frankie Luvu to take the necessary leaps forward next season. Although the Panthers are clearly looking to add another veteran edge presence before Week 1 to compensate for Reddick’s departure.

This is the chance Gross-Matos has been waiting for. Something that could take his game to a level not seen since he joined the Panthers as the No. 38 overall selection in 2020.

However, if Gross-Matos fluffs his lines and cannot rise to the occasion, then it might see the pass-rusher forced back into a rotational role. Simply put, this would be nothing short of disastrous for the player and the Panthers.

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