49ers to add former second-round pick

Yetur Gross-Matos will head to San Francisco on a two-year, $18M contract, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Although Gross-Matos has never enjoyed a five-sack season, the 49ers have shown a knack for getting more out of pass-rushers. Still, this is a nice contract for the four-year Panthers contributor.

San Francisco is spending a bit more to fortify its defensive end group this offseason. The team had used lower-cost cogs — Charles Omenihu, Clelin Ferrell, Arden Key, Samson Ebukam — in recent years, but those deals also came when Jimmy Garoppolo‘s contract was on the payroll.

Brock Purdy must stay on a rookie contract until at least 2025, giving the 49ers more flexibility. The team is also moving on from Arik Armstead, freeing up some defensive line funds.

The Panthers attempted to turn to Gross-Matos as their top Brian Burns complement, but the former No. 38 overall pick did not stick in that role. 

Carolina added Justin Houston last year, which led to the Penn State alum only starting six games. As the Panthers regroup up front, the 49ers will spend a chunk of change to add what appears to be a No. 3 edge-rusher.

Gross-Matos is still just 25, and the 49ers have completed a few reclamation projects under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. 

The 6-foot-5 pass rusher did post 10 QB hits in each of the past two seasons, but his 2.5-sack 2022 — in 17 starts — is rather glaring. This will be an interesting challenge, though Gross-Matos’ contract suggested other teams believe in him as well.