Yetur Gross-Matos growing into role

The Panthers had to use defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos a little differently last week out of necessity.

With the 2020 second-rounder forced into more of an inside role in the absence of Derrick Brown, he responded with 2.5 sacks last week against the Bills. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Gross-Matos is built more like the classic defensive end than the two built-for-speed edge rushers they start (Brian Burns and Haason Reddick), and offering different looks is something they value.

“When I got here, we drafted him, and he’s just a big young physical guy that runs around,” veteran defensive coordinator Phil Snow said. “He plays hard, he likes to play. He’s been hurt off and on, but he’s healthy now.

“Last game, we utilized him inside and outside more, which we should be, and I think you’ll really like what you see over the next three weeks. He’s got a lot of talent, and I’m excited to see him over the next three weeks.”

Snow said that because Gross-Matos is still just 23, there’s a chance he could gain another five to 10 pounds, which could make him better able to operate inside.

“But right now, he could play the end spot over the tight end, and move inside on passing downs,” Snow said. “He can dominate the tight end physically. But right now, we’re playing Haason and Brian. He’ll be on our team next year, but who else will remains to be seen.”

Reddick’s three games away from free agency, and though he said he’d like to stay, there’s no guarantee that will happen. The Panthers are also entering an offseason with needs at other positions (offensive line chief among them), so it’s impossible to know what that depth chart will look like in a few months.

Gross-Matos having a larger frame could help with some run defense issues that pop up from time to time (a few teams such as Dallas, Minnesota, and New England have taken advantage of a pair of defensive ends that tip the scales under 500 pounds combined.)