4 Carolina Panthers players that could follow Steve Wilks to the 49ers
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could end up following Steve Wilks to the San Francisco 49ers in time for the 2023 season?
It’s funny how things work out sometimes. In Steve Wilks‘ case, the football gods shone brightly on the respected coach after he was passed over by the Carolina Panthers in favor of Frank Reich.
Despite his outstanding contribution as interim head coach, the allure of appointing an offensive-minded figurehead for the first time in franchise history was too great for David Tepper. Even if there was a consensus belief Reich was the right man to lead the Panthers moving forward.
As expected, Wilks wasn’t out of work for long. The San Francisco 49ers made a shrewd move by appointing him as their next defensive coordinator, which could be another stepping stone en route to a head coaching role elsewhere in the coming years.
This was a top job for Wilks in the circumstances. With that in mind, here are four Panthers players that could follow their beloved former coach to San Francisco in 2023 or further down the line.
Player No. 1
Cory Littleton – Carolina Panthers LB
Steve Wilks is inheriting one of the league’s premier defenses, so it’s just a case of adopting his methods and letting the established playmakers do their thing. However, if the San Francisco 49ers seek his counsel for additional depth, a situation could emerge where some former Carolina Panthers players join the ranks.
In this scenario, Cory Littleton could be a chance worth taking. The ex-Pro Bowler is solid in coverage that flashed on occasions with the Panthers, and he’d likely jump at the chance to link up with Wilks in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring.