Former Panthers in the playoffs: 49ers’ McCaffrey, Buccaneers’ Mayfield highlight list

The Carolina Panthers’ postseason dreams were squashed pretty early during the 2023 season. Instead of going on a playoff run, the Panthers are spending January searching for a new GM and a new head coach.

But with the playoffs in full force — with eight teams remaining — there are still some familiar faces battling to hold up the Lombardi trophy at Super Bowl LVIII.

Carolina fans searching for a rooting interest in the playoffs can find the names of their former Panthers players below:

Texans vs. Ravens (ESPN/ABC)

Time/Date: Jan 20 (Sat), 4:30 p.m.

Former Panthers on Ravens: N/A (53-man roster)

Former Panthers on Texans: N/A (53-man roster)

Coaches/Execs in HC/GM search: Texans OC Bobby Slowik; Ravens OC Todd Monken, DC Mike Macdonald and VP of football administration Nick Matteo

If you’re a Panthers fan, you’re probably watching this game to scout potential head coaches. Slowik, who interviewed with Carolina on Thursday, got off to an excellent postseason start, guiding rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and Houston to a blowout shellacking of the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round. Monken and Macdonald, who both interviewed last week, are coming off a first-round bye.

Packers vs. 49ers (FOX)

Time/Date: Jan 20 (Sat), 8:15 p.m.

Former Panthers on 49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey, QB Sam Darnold, WR Ray-Ray McCloud

Former Panthers on Packers: N/A (53-man roster)

Coaches/Execs in HC/GM search: N/A

This game is all about the 49ers for Carolina. If you’re still upset about the McCaffrey trade, maybe you’re rooting for the Packers, but you’re probably in the minority of the Carolina faithful. McCaffrey’s MVP-like season led to a first-round bye for San Francisco. Former interim head coach Steve Wilks is leading a strong 49ers defense into the postseason. The Packers have cornerback David Long and linebacker Arron Mosby on their practice squad, so there’s a chance one of them gets elevated this weekend.

Buccaneers vs. Lions (NBC/Peacock)

Time/Date: Jan 21 (Sun), 3 p.m.

Former Panthers on Lions: QB Teddy Bridgewater

Former Panthers on Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfield, WR David Moore

Coaches/Execs in HC/GM search: Lions OC Ben Johnson and COO Mike Disner; Buccaneers OC Dave Canales and GM Mike Greenberg

Mayfield is having a career year in Tampa Bay. Last week, he led the Buccaneers to a blowout win over the Philadelphia Eagles. On the opposite side, Bridgewater — Mayfield’s predecessor as a Cam Newton “replacement” — will be holding a clipboard next to Johnson, a hotshot coaching candidate. Johnson, an Asheville native, is widely considered to be a desired favorite for the Panthers job, but he will look to extend the wait with a win at home. On the Tampa Bay sideline, Canales will look to add to his resume following an interview with Carolina on Thursday.

Chiefs vs. Bills (CBS/Paramount+)

Time/Date: Jan 21 (Sun), 6:30 p.m.

Former Panthers on Bills: QB Kyle Allen, DT DaQuan Jones, CB Rasul Douglas

Former Panthers on Chiefs: K Harrison Butker

Coaches/Execs in HC/GM search: Chiefs VP of football operations Brandt Tilis

This game’s Carolina connections are for the die-hard fans. The Bills, led by former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, are looking to push forward with a trio of one-time Carolina contributors. Jones and Douglas will play, while Kyle Allen will serve as insurance for Josh Allen. Butker, the kicker who got away, has been near-automatic for the Chiefs throughout his tenure. Former Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein is on the Bills’ practice squad and could see action if elevated this weekend.