4 roster moves that backfired on the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers placed too much faith in Yetur Gross-Matos
The cost to keep Haason Reddick around beyond 2021 was steep. Something the Carolina Panthers deemed unworthy despite the outstanding pass-rusher securing 11 sacks during his one and only season with the franchise.
This was the biggest vote of confidence imaginable in Yetur Gross-Matos, the former second-round pick who flashed on a rotational basis in 2022. Moving him into the starting lineup was a calculated risk by those in power, which backfired in no uncertain terms.
Gross-Matos looked incapable of generating pressure consistently. The one-time Penn State star notched just 2.5 sacks from 70 percent of defensive snaps, whereas teammate Marquis Haynes managed five in just 41%.
Compare that to Reddick, who blazed a trail for the Philadelphia Eagles en route to 16 sacks and a second-term All-Pro selection. The edge rusher might also end up with a Super Bowl ring when it’s all said and done.
The Panthers placed too much faith in Gross-Matos and refused to acknowledge this mistake if Haynes’ playing time was any indication. Therefore, finding a competent presence opposite Brian Burns on the defensive front is a huge need for Carolina in the coming weeks.