Despite Haason Reddick‘s quality one-season stay and Temple affiliation, the Panthers did not bring him back this year. Reddick signed a three-year, $45MM deal with the Eagles. Matt Rhule‘s team has been on the lookout at the position since.
No notable addition has taken place since Reddick returned to Philadelphia, but GM Scott Fitterer said Thursday (via The Athletic’s Joe Person, on Twitter) the team still hopes to add an edge player. At this point, the options are slim.
The Panthers hosted Carlos Dunlap but did not sign him. The Chiefs ended up doing so. Trey Flowers signed with the Dolphins days ago. Carolina has been connected to this edge need since before Jadeveon Clowney recommitted to Cleveland and before Melvin Ingram and Justin Houston signed their respective deals (with Miami and Baltimore).
Standing down for the past several months would suggest a certain level of confidence in third-year defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, a second-round pick who has not previously worked as a regular starter. Gross-Matos started seven games as a rookie and two last season; he has six career sacks and 10 QB hits. The Penn State alum — chosen 38th overall in 2020 — registered 17 combined sacks in his final two college campaigns.
Carolina did add street free agent Matt Ioannidis, an inside rusher from Washington, and Fitterer said second-year defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon can also help out on the edge. The team re-signed four-year veteran Marquis Haynes (seven sacks between 2020 and 2021) and kept linebacker Frankie Luvu, who has been mentioned as a player who will contribute outside as well. Absent a Gross-Matos progression to a reliable starter, plenty will be on Brian Burns‘ shoulders this season. Aided by Burns’ presence, Reddick led the 2021 Panthers with 11 sacks.
Jason Pierre-Paul remains unsigned. The former Giants and Buccaneers standout is the top available edge left. Everson Griffen said months ago he was not prepared to retire ahead of what would be his age-35 season. Lower-profile names like Takk McKinley and Benson Mayowa are also available. Fitterer was in Seattle for all of Mayowa’s first Seahawks stint and was there when the team reacquired him in 2020. That said, Mayowa’s production tailed off last season — a one-sack year for the 31-year-old rusher.
Give us JPP!
I second this. We could use him like we used Peppers when he came back.