The San Francisco 49ers haven't gotten what they paid for with defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos, to say the least. He's slated for unrestricted free agency this upcoming offseason, and barring a dramatic turnaround, his forgetful time with the club may be running out.
Gross-Matos hasn't made the impact San Francisco expected when they signed him to a two-year, $18 million contract in March 2024. That's largely because he hasn't been on the field much, punctuated by extended injury absences in each of his campaigns with the Niners.
San Francisco desperately needed one, if not multiple players, to step up since Nick Bosa tore his ACL in late September. Filling the void of the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year's caliber, let alone replacing him outright, was always a tall task.
Be that as it may, Gross-Matos has been more of a problem than a solution.
Yetur Gross-Matos' days with 49ers seem numbered
A nagging hamstring issue has sidelined Gross-Matos since Week 5, yet a comeback seems to be on the horizon. San Francisco designated him for return ahead of their 37-24 win over the Tennessee Titans. He subsequently logged two limited practices before being ruled out (again).
Nevertheless, it may be too little and too late for Gross-Matos. Counting on him to be out there has been one thing, but he hasn't even been productive when available. The 2020 second-round pick has just four total tackles, one quarterback hit and a pass deflection across five games this season.
Moreover, Gross-Matos' career-low 27-percent defensive-snap share rate is far from what he or San Francisco hoped entering 2025, especially considering Bosa has been sidelined. The former hasn't provided the pass-rushing boost they've needed, and health (or lack thereof) has been a recurring theme.
At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Gross-Matos' size is a strength. Yet, his ideal frame has raised valid durability concerns, and more specifically.
In 2024, Gross-Matos sat out six contests due to a lingering knee sprain that initially bothered him since the preseason and required surgery. Before joining the 49ers, he missed five games with a soft-tissue ailment with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. Lower-body problems have been his downfall annually, which doesn't figure to improve with age.
Turning age 28 in February and on an expiring pact, Gross-Matos might be auditioning for his next deal down the stretch. That's if he can get activated and suit up for the 49ers, however.