The San Francisco 49ers are stocking up on edge rushers. NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reports that the team is signing impending Carolina Panthers free agent defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos to a two-year, $18 million deal. The move can be finalized on Wednesday at the start of the new league year.
More edge help: The #49ers are signing #Panthers FA DE Yetur Gross-Matos to a 2-year deal worth $18M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Earlier today, it was announced that the 49ers are also bringing in defensive end Leonard Floyd on a two-year, $20 million contract to strengthen a pass rush that faced challenges through much of last season. Over the weekend, it was reported that the 49ers plan to release Arik Armstead after discussions to lower the veteran defensive lineman's salary fell through.
The Carolina Panthers drafted Gross-Matos (6-5, 265) as a second-round pick (No. 38 overall) out of Penn State in 2020. He registered 36 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks through 12 game appearances (six starts) last season, per Pro Football Reference.
In his four NFL seasons, Gross-Matos, 26, has accumulated 142 tackles, including 19 for a loss, 30 quarterback hits, 13 sacks, a pass defensed, and two forced fumbles across 55 game appearances, with 32 starts.
The 49ers hosted Gross-Matos on a pre-draft visit in Santa Clara heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.