New 49ers coordinator Steve Wilks should attract these 5 free agents

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Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Cameron Erving (75) Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL free agency: Steve Wilks can bring offensive tackle Cameron Erving to 49ers

Just because Steve Wilks is a defensive mind doesn’t mean he’ll solely bring defensive players over with him from the Panthers.

And it just so happens the 49ers may be seeking out a new starting right tackle, too, particularly if Mike McGlinchey departs in NFL free agency.

For all of McGlinchey’s faults, especially in pass protection, it’s going to be tough to upgrade at that spot, particularly with a weak NFL Draft classes and only a handful of free-agent options who’d fit well enough in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system.

So, would Cameron Erving step in for McGlinchey?

Probably not, but the Niners still need a swing tackle. Especially if their move is to promote backup tackle Colton McKivitz into a starting role, which seems like a strong possibility.

Erving, 30 years old and has 56 regular-season starts under his belt, may never live up to his first-round draft status, but resurrecting his career with Wilks in San Francisco would be a smart choice.