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Reporter suggests under-the-radar reunion for Panthers in 2026
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- Reporter suggests under-the-radar reunion for Panthers in 2026
Perhaps an under-the-radar reunion would serve the Carolina Panthers well in 2026.
Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer has named five free agents who could make sense for the reigning NFC South champions to add ahead of this summer's training camp. Kaye includes defensive end Yetur-Gross Matos, and suggests he could serve as a temporary replacement for the injured Tershawn Wharton while providing some versatility off the edge:
Gross-Matos profiles similarly to Pat Jones and Nic Scourton as a player who can win as a pass rusher and run stopper at two different spots. He also knows the defense. After dealing with some durability issues, he could also be a cheap solution for a notable depth problem on the roster.
The Panthers selected Gross-Matos in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He'd go on to spend his first four pro campaigns in Carolina—amassing 142 combined tackles, 13.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries over 55 games.
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Gross-Matos then signed on with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. In his pair of seasons there, the now-28-year-old tallied 4.0 sacks in 19 outings.
Given the absence of Wharton and the Panthers' questionable depth at outside linebacker, Gross-Matos wouldn't be a bad option to call off the sideline if needed.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers named potential destination for DE Yetur Gross-Matos
