The Carolina Panthers have officially released DeAngelo Williams, the team announced Tuesday.
Panthers officially release DeAngelo Williams
Carolina’s all-time leading rusher fell behind Jonathan Stewart in 2014 and has been released.
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Williams was the first to announce the separation during an interview with WBTV. Williams told the outlet two weeks prior to the official announcement that he was cut by the team after a meeting with head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Dave Gettlemen. In that meeting, Williams was told that the Panthers "don't run the ball enough," to keep both him and Jonathan Stewart.
It’s not surprising that the Panthers have elected to stick with Stewart, though after nine seasons with the team, Williams getting his release is a bit sudden. Williams and Stewart have combined for one of the league’s top two-back rushing teams since the team made Stewart a first-round pick in 2008.
The two players have alternated starting roles based on who is performing better and based on who is healthiest ever since, but after injury-filled 2012 and 2013 seasons, Stewart experienced a resurgence this past year. He carried the ball 175 times for 809 yards and three touchdowns, a per-carry average of 4.6 yards. Williams, who is four years older (practically an eternity for running backs) only managed 62 carries and a 3.5 yards per carry average in 2014.
Williams noted as much in the report, saying that he doesn't "feel bitter," and that Stewart "had the hot hand at the end of the season." Williams pointed out that plenty of big names have exited the team of late, including Jordan Gross and Steve Smith, and that eventually "it's going to happen to every guy in that locker room."
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Williams dealt with thigh, ankle and hand injuries in 2014 and he enters free agency in one of the stronger running back classes we've seen. He should be able to find a team for next season but he'll likely have to compete for a starting role. This year's NFL Draft class is also very strong at the running back position.
Williams is Carolina’s all-time leading rusher with 6,846 yards on 1,432 carries and 46 rushing touchdowns.
UPDATE: Williams took to Twitter to offer a few more words on the situation:
9 years is a long time. it's been a great run.... https://t.co/66IF6TL7H9
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 23, 2015 See More:
