New 49ers coordinator Steve Wilks should attract these 5 free agents
By Peter Panacy
NFL free agency: Steve Wilks can bring defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis to 49ers
Veteran defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis spent only one season with the Panthers, and his days as a serious interior pass-rushing threat are probably over by now.
That said, the 29-year-old veteran could still occupy a notable role within a still-stacked 49ers defensive line that managed to get a lot of help from fellow veterans like Hassan Ridgeway and Kevin Givens last season amid injuries to Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw.
Ioannidis, who is still more than capable of being a solid starter in run-stuffing formations, would be vital in Steve Wilks’ efforts to ensure the Niners maintain the No. 1 spot in the NFL against the run.
Plus, considering how San Francisco has regularly reinforced its defensive line year after year, Wilks would be within his right to ask Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to target someone like Ioannidis in NFL free agency.
Ioannidis had 37 tackles, nine quarterback hits and a sack under Wilks and Co. last season, and those figures might actually increase with Wilks and the 49ers if signed.