4 Panthers legends that could return under Steve Wilks in 2023
By Dean Jones
Tre Boston – Former Carolina Panthers S
- Position: Depth Chart Safety
When Josh Norman’s bombshell return to the Carolina Panthers was confirmed, Tre Boston outlined the potential desire to make a return of his own. Something that Steve Wilks might contemplate in the event he wins the head coaching gig on a permanent basis.
Boston was a salary-cap casualty before free agency began in 2021 and has surprisingly been out of the league ever since. This is a long time to be away from the gridiron, but the safety is still getting paid handsomely by the Panthers as part of his early departure.
The Panthers are lacking quality depth on the backend behind Xavier Woods and Jeremy Chinn. There are also strong calls from large sections of the fanbase to move No. 21 back to the linebacking corps where he starred as a rookie.
This does seem unlikely – especially considering how rich Carolina is in draft capital after trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. But if Norman’s arrival is any indication, Wilks won’t hesitate to bring former players back if he feels it can benefit their chances.
Boston seems quite happy outside of the game, in all honesty. However, it’s an example of the esteem in which Wilks is held that figures such as the North Carolina product and others are even contemplating a return to the gridiron.