5 players the Panthers should consider trading post-Matt Rhule
By Dean Jones
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
Big things were expected of Yetur Gross-Matos in 2022. The Carolina Panthers opted not to re-sign Haason Reddick in favor of getting the former second-round pick into the starting lineup, which is already proving to be a costly error based on the production of the two aforementioned players this season.
Gross-Matos might not ever live up to the No. 38 overall selection. There are undeniable athletic attributes, but the Penn State product is having a hard time putting everything together consistently with additional responsibilities on his shoulders.
There are times when Gross-Matos looks like a real talent. His run defense is improving all the time and he did show signs of life in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers before fading late on.
Of all the players that have value on rookie contracts, Gross-Matos could be expendable. Although getting the second-round pick back in return is highly unlikely based on his performance levels to date.
Much would depend on the compensation involved and if another team sees something in Gross-Matos. This scenario depletes Carolina’s pass-rushing options further with just Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes, Henry Anderson, and perhaps rookie Amare Barno capable of generating pressure off the edge.