Panthers News: Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Justin Houston and workouts

Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as we edge closer to preseason games and training camp at Wofford College?

Good morning and a happy weekend to you all. It won't be much longer before the Carolina Panthers end their period of rest and congregate for an important training camp in Spartanburg, but the offensive players have already begun honing skills together and building chemistry heading into the 2023 campaign.

As always, the news and rumors continue to generate column inches. Among the stories causing debate recently include Brian Burns' importance, Yetur Gross-Matos opening up about his transition, The Panthers being linked to an All-Pro edge rusher, and more players on offense coming together for a special workout.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Carolina Panthers' offense working out

There have been many changes across the Carolina Panthers' offense throughout an unprecedented offseason of changes. Something that comes with fresh hope but could also result in chemistry problems unless everyone gets on the same page quickly.

This is something Bryce Young and his squad are taking into their own hands before training camp. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft was joined by more offensive players - including veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton - for another private workout at SMU, which represents a real statement of intent from an offense that could be among the league's surprise packages next season.

Carolina's fortunes all depend on whether veteran signings pan out and how Young transitions to the faster-paced NFL. But they are leaving nothing to chance and displaying a sort of purposeful mindset that was sorely lacking under the previous regime.

Carolina Panthers OLB Yetur Gross-Matos' transition

Many thought Yetur Gross-Matos would drop into the proverbial wilderness under the new coaching regime. The defensive end couldn't meet expectations from a starting role, but Ejiro Evero and his staff are not ready to give up on the former second-round selection just yet.

Gross-Matos is fighting hard to become the starting 3-4 outside linebacker opposite Brian Burns. This is a steep transition for someone that's played the majority of his career on the defensive front, but it's something that he's coped with well so far.

The one-time Penn State star has drawn praise from Evero and Brian Burns among others throughout the early preparation period. And Gross-Matos is clearly relishing a fresh challenge heading into a contract year based on his comments via Augusta Stone from the team's website.

"I'm excited about it; I know they're excited about it. We can talk about it all day because it's new for all of us. So (we) just try and learn as much as we can from each other's mistakes and what we do well. Before, I was playing D-line, but I was really taking on a lot of double-teams and just in the trenches. Now, I'm really able to use my athleticism more, running more, covering. We outside linebackers consider ourselves the alphas of the defense because we can do it all – rush the quarterback, cover guys, look at formations. So it's a bigger responsibility. But, you know, I'm all about it. And it's been fun."

Yetur Gross-Matos via Panthers.com

Marquis Haynes Sr. is another that's caught the eye in pursuit of extended reps within Evero's creative system. Carolina could also bring in another capable veteran before Week 1, so it'll be interesting to see how this dynamic shapes out when the pads get clapping in Spartanburg.

Carolina Panthers OLB Brian Burns' importance

All the focus has been on quarterback Bryce Young after their landmark trade to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. But if the Carolina Panthers want to make a legitimate playoff push and win the NFC South next season, their young defense must rise to the occasion under the masterful guidance of Ejiro Evero.

The obvious focal point is Brian Burns. One of the brightest young pass-rushers in the business is looking for a lucrative contract extension before the season begins, which is thanks in no small part to an outstanding start to his professional career and two straight Pro Bowl campaigns for good measure.

Burns is a cornerstone franchise piece for the Panthers and will be counted upon heavily during his transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker. So it came as no surprise to see the former first-round pick named by Eric Edholm of NFL.com as Carolina's non-quarterback MVP in 2023.

"[Brian] Burns turned in his best pass-rushing season to date in Year 4 and might be primed for more greatness this year. He figures to be the centerpiece of a defense that features four former first-round picks and four former second-rounders. Burns is coming off ankle surgery this offseason, and he has yet to cash in on a big-money extension -- but you figure that’s coming at some point, with a rookie-QB salary on the books. Carolina might be smart to lock Burns up before he registers another double-digit sack season."

Eric Edholm, NFL.com

Hopefully, the Panthers will be less reliant on Burns when it comes to generating pressure. But they can relax safe in the knowledge he's sure to flourish as a fifth-year-pro and emerging leader within the locker room.

Carolina Panthers linked with Justin Houston

Even though the Carolina Panthers seem willing to give everyone a legitimate shot at impressing through the early stages of training camp, there is more than enough salary-cap space to make another move or two should those in power wish. Something that could further boost hopes of winning the NFC South during Frank Reich's first campaign at the helm.

Among the areas that might need strengthening is the edge rushing position opposite Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr., Amare Barno, and third-round pick D.J. Johnson should fancy their chances of involvement, but another veteran might provide immediate production during Ejiro Evero's important switch to a 3-4 base defense.

On this topic, Maurice Moton from The Bleacher Report recently named the Panthers as a good fit for Justin Houston - a former All-Pro edge defender who remains a decent performer despite coming into the twilight of his playing career.

"Justin Houston lands on this list as the oldest player, though he can still get after the quarterback. In 2022, with the Baltimore Ravens, the 34-year-old played in a reserve role, registering 9.5 sacks and 25 pressures while on the field for 44 percent of the defensive snaps in 14 games. Houston can rush the passer in the even-man fronts with his hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance in an odd-man front. For most of his career, he's played outside linebacker, though the versatile edge-rusher made his presence felt as a defensive end in former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' system, logging 19 sacks and 53 pressures between 2019 and 2020."

Maurice Moton, The Bleacher Report

Houston might be a good short-term addition and would no doubt provide an extra leadership presence within the locker room. Whether it's something the Panthers genuinely contemplate before Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons rolls around is another matter.