DeAngelo Williams released by Panthers

Bob Dunnan/USA Today Sports

Deangelo Williams broke the news himself today. The Carolina Panthers are releasing running back DeAngelo Williams. The news comes as no surprise to most.

The nine-year veteran just isn't in the plans, especially long-term, for the Panthers. Sharing a backfield with another feature back in Jonathan Stewart and do-it-all Mike Tolbert makes the sting of losing a guy who averaged 4.8 yards per carry and amassed 46 total rushing touchdowns significantly less. There's also the question of how much Williams has left in the tank. 1,400-plus carries and a history of injuries make him less valuable for Carolina and any teams who are looking for a running back this offseason.


The Panthers are likely designating Williams a "post June 1st" cut. The move will save just $2 million which further shows Carolina is confident in getting along without Williams. Finding a landing spot is likely given his talent but it won't be easy. Veteran running backs are avoided like the plague in the NFL. Couple that with a deep rookie running back draft class and it may be the middle of training camp before Williams finds a new home.