Panthers to release DeAngelo Williams
The Carolina Panthers have parted ways with running back DeAngelo Williams after nine seasons.
Williams confirmed his release in an interview with WBTV's Molly Grantham. He said he was cut during a recent meeting with Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and general manager Dave Gettleman.
"We sat down and he told me 'The fact of the matter is we're going to have to release you,'" Williams said. "I said you know, 'Why?' and he said, 'Because we don't run the ball enough. Just like you said back before the season started, we don't run the ball enough to keep you and both (Jonathan Stewart), so we're going to release you.'"
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Despite realizing his time with the team is done, the move has yet to be made official, according to Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer.
Williams said he holds no ill will against the team that drafted him No. 27 overall in 2006.
"I don't feel bitter at all. (Stewart) had the hot hand at the end of the season. He's a great running back, obviously, uh, I don't feel bitter at all. It's a business," Williams said. "And that business comes back and reminds us year after year - whether it be Steve Smith, whether it be Jordan Gross, whether it be myself - it's going to happen to every guy in that locker room, so it doesn't bother me at all."
The 31-year-old appeared in 117 games for the Panthers over the past nine seasons, rushing for 6,846 yards and 46 touchdowns on 1,432 carries.