5 strong replacements if the Panthers cut ties with Damien Wilson
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could promote Cory Littleton
This could end up being a real blow for the Carolina Panthers if they do end up releasing Damien Wilson without so much as a training camp practice to show from his time with the franchise. However, they might use this opportunity to promote another recently signed free agent into a more prominent spot in the lineup.
Cory Littleton was brought in on the cheap in free agency to bolster depth. The former Pro Bowler spent the last two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and has enough in his locker to suggest a solid scheme fit in Phil Snow’s system providing his transition to a different environment goes according to plan.
Littleton has superb instincts that came with 495 tackles over his six-year career. He can rush the passer when required and also excels in coverage to further enhance his overall influence.
It was a down year for Littleton in 2021. The Washington product didn’t factor all that much in run support and his 47.8 grade from Pro Football Focus further reflects just how much he struggled overall.
This would be a gamble by the Panthers if they did release Wilson. But it might also be the opportunity Littleton needs to get his career back on track.