San Francisco 49ers

LB Philip Wheeler hoping to find success with Niners

Published Jun. 5, 2015 12:59 p.m. ET

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Philip Wheeler is playing on his fourth team in eight NFL seasons. Wheeler is hoping he can call San Francisco home for a while after choosing to sign this offseason.

“Traditionally, it’s a winning organization with a very winning tradition,” Wheeler said, via ESPN. “And even though it’s a new coach, he was already here, so he knows the team. There’s a lot of loyalty here, some straight-up people.

“It’s not quite rebuilding because it’s not a bad team.”

Wheeler is new to the 49ers, but is familiar with defensive assistant/linebackers coach Jason Tarver. Tarver was the defensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders while Wheeler was there for one year. Wheeler is hoping he can thrive under Tarver again after having a career-year in Oakland.

“I think I played well under J.T.,” said Wheeler.

The scheme will be different in San Francisco than it was in Oakland where they played a 4-3. Wheeler played more on the outside in Oakland and will have to play on the Inside with the 49ers. Wheeler is confident it will not be an issue.

“I feel like I’m versatlile enough,” Wheeler said. “I played inside in the Raiders’ nickel (defense), so I’ve done it before.”

(h/t ESPN)