5 Carolina Panthers players who’ve contributed almost nothing in 2022
By Dean Jones
Yetur Gross-Matos – Carolina Panthers DE
The Carolina Panthers letting Haason Reddick walk in free agency was a huge call. His 11 sacks last season left a big impression and although it wouldn’t have been cheap, losing that production opposite Brian Burns left a gaping hole that Yetur Gross-Matos hasn’t filled.
There was a significant amount of confidence in Gross-Matos taking a big leap in Year 3 with additional responsibilities on his shoulders. The former Penn State star showed promise as a rotational piece, but this has been almost non-existent as a starter and unless things change, he’s unlikely to get a similar depth chart standing in 2023.
Gross-Matos cannot seem to generate any pressure consistently. This is despite Derrick Brown and Brian Burns commanding the primary attention from opposing offensive lines.
Perhaps equally disappointing is Gross-Matos’ inability to set the edge and make things difficult against the run. Considering he was the No. 38 overall selection in 2020, this looks to be yet another draft bust outside of the first round for Carolina.
One could make a strong case for Gross-Matos being the Panthers’ most disappointing player in 2022. Something that will likely see alternative pass-rushing options sought as a matter of urgency next spring.