DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

Anyone intrigued about the thought of him possibly landing here next year?

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Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

Only for the right price. I don't want to blow our FA wad on a RB before seriously addressing the interior of the O-line this offseason.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

Vet min!

Seriously though, I'd lean toward looking elsewhere first if we even need to. I'd be content developing Torain and Williams and keeping Portis one more year

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=SmootSmack;760430]Vet min!

Seriously though, I'd lean toward looking elsewhere first if we even need to. I'd be content developing Torain and Williams and keeping Portis one more year[/quote]Totally agree. If there's anything Shanny proved in Denver, he can take no-name running backs and turn them into 1000 yard rushers once he has the right personnel for his zone blocking scheme.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=Mattyk;760428]Anyone intrigued about the thought of him possibly landing here next year?

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I live in Charlotte NC and have watched this guy the last four years. He is a dynamic runner which home run ability. Tough runner. problem is he has had some injury problems. He never seems to stay healthy. That being said, he will get top dollar in the FA market. He is 28, with minimal carries due to the Panthers having two very capable runners. He should have 2 to 3 pretty productive years left. I am not sure we should give him the money required for a guy that only has a couple good years left. But wouldn't be upset if he came here. The guy is pretty damn good.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=SmootSmack;760430]Vet min!

Seriously though, I'd lean toward looking elsewhere first if we even need to. I'd be content developing Torain and Williams and keeping Portis one more year[/quote]

No way...our running game has struggled now for two consecutive years. Injuries, age, Oline...Torain, K Williams, and Portis are all pretty slow. Id like to see more of a weapon in the backfield. Id for us to keep both Torain and K. Williams, but these guys are not primary backs in this league.

D Williams is def worth a look, my preference would be to land Jamal Charles in KC. I dont think he has signed an extention and in the last year of his deal. The guy is a flat out stud, fast, and is a great reciever out the backfield.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

DW is going to be big $$. Of course we need to upgrade the OL first and foremost, and it's nice for a change to actually have faith the front office is on the same page in that regard. Still, we definitely need to upgrade at RB as well.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=Chico23231;760435]No way...our running game has struggled now for two consecutive years. Injuries, age, Oline...Torain, K Williams, and Portis are all pretty slow. Id like to see more of a weapon in the backfield. Id for us to keep both Torain and K. Williams, but these guys are not primary backs in this league.

D Williams is def worth a look, my preference would be to land Jamal Charles in KC. I dont think he has signed an extention and in the last year of his deal. The guy is a flat out stud, fast, and is a great reciever out the backfield.[/quote]


Now I could go for Jamall Charles. dude is flat out a stud and for whatever the damn reason, Haley doesn't get him involved as much as you would think. They have Thomas Jones, so the split the carries, but Charles is a game changer with his speed, homerun ability, catching the ball...love to have that guy

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=Mattyk;760436]DW is going to be big $$. Of course we need to upgrade the OL first and foremost, and it's nice for a change to actually have faith the front office is on the same page in that regard. Still, we definitely need to upgrade at RB as well.[/quote]


Knowing MS and his belief in the system he will feel like he can find a diamond in the rough vs. paying big dollars to Williams.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

There are quite a few backs potentially available this offseason, Addai, Michael Bush, Jerome Harrison, LeRon McClain, Ronnie Brown, Jarious Norwood, Marshawn Lynch, Darren Sproles, etc.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

The economics of FA rb's is just not good under the current cba. On the flip side, drafting rb's is good cost/benefit. It's one position that does make sense to draft in the 1st or 2nd rounds if you think the guy can start right away. Paying a rookie rb a lot makes sense cause they can contribute immediately, unlike wr's & DEs that usually take a few years to develop, then start to play best at the end of their contract. Of couse rb's that are mid to late round picks that make the team are great value.

Given that Allen is a money ball guy & Shanny has a knack for finding mid to late rounders, I would think DW would not be on their wish list. Most rbs don't have better years beyond their rookie contract. Not saying he couldn't make it happen when healthy, but at 28 he's close to his ceiling & each injury speeds up the downward spiral.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

Hopefully we are going into this offseason with the intent to better the team and not buy into big names. I personally would be all for the whole no name youth movement. Lets take young players and make them worth some value and not sign value players just to watch there value depreciate in D.C.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

The blogger for the local paper here did an article on RBs in the upcoming FA and in it he stated that after researching the last 10 years, HE believes this will be the best FA group of running backs in the last decade. But that is his opinion, not sure yet if I fully agree. I do know though that there are a good number of starting capable RBs who should hit the market depending on the new CBA

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=SmootSmack;760440]There are quite a few backs potentially available this offseason, Addai, Michael Bush, Jerome Harrison, LeRon McClain, Ronnie Brown, Jarious Norwood, Marshawn Lynch, Darren Sproles, etc.[/quote]

I would be all for Bush or Harrison. I'd say No to Williams, he's pretty good but he's injury prone and we need a consistent RB. Maybe Choice will be cut in Dallas.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

I guess I am wanting to see what K Williams and Torrain can do. Clearly we might need to pick up another running back with Torrains health issues, but overall I would rather focus on interior OL and (ugh) WRs in terms of the offense.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

I think we need to worry about WR before RB

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

This is what I found with free agent RBs:


2011 NFL Free Agent Running Backs
By: Roshan Bhagat
DeAngelo Williams, CAR – With Jonathan Stewart still locked up, will DeAngelo Williams become expendable? I doubt the Panthers allow Williams to leave via free agency, but he could very well become an acquirable commodity next offseason through a tag and trade.

Jamaal Charles, KC – Charles’ 1120 yards, 5.9 average, 7 touchdowns, and 40 receptions were all impressive numbers. On a per snap basis, few running backs were more productive last season. With his electrifying speed, Charles appears to be a big part of the Chiefs’ future.

Cedric Benson, CIN – The former first-round bust revitalized his career with 1200 yards for a Bengals offense that did the same. Though he’ll be 28 in December, Benson probably has one more good contract left in him if he can prove that 2009 was not an anomaly.



Jerome Harrison, CLE – After carrying all but 77 times in his first 3 years, Harrison rushed for 862 yards on 194 attempts last year including 3 straight 125 yard games to close the season. As a 5th round pick, Harrison still hasn’t made much money, which means this year will be even more pivotal for him.

Michael Bush, OAK – In a limited role, Bush has posted some eye-popping numbers behind a pedestrian offensive line and a nonexistent passing game. Bush was a potential first-round selection prior to his leg injury which sidelined him for his senior season. With 589 yards and a 4.8 average, Bush has shown glimpses that he could be a punishing starter elsewhere, if not in Oakland.

Darren Sproles, SD – Sproles has proven that he can’t be a starting back, but is exactly what most teams look for from their back-up. He’s a dangerous weapon on special teams and a threat to take any touch to the end zone.

Joseph Addai, IND – Joseph Addai was once one of the league’s promising backs, but injuries and a slowly deteriorating Colts’ offensive line have cut into that potential. Now at 27, Addai probably has one good contract left, but must first compete with Donald Brown to prove that he can still be the complete back he once was.



Ronnie Brown, MIA – Subtract the injuries from Brown’s career and many pundits may be rightfully comparing Ronnie Brown to Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, and the league’s other premiere backs. Unfortunately, he’s rarely fully healthy and has never had the opportunity to build off his previous seasons. For the Dolphins, the decision on Brown will boil down to matching money.

Ricky Williams, MIA – The years out of the league have spared Williams the damage that would have thrown a brick wall at most backs by this age. Williams is still a productive back, but anything more than a short term contract, or one that depreciates in value, would be a mistake. If the two parties can reach a deal, Miami will likely retain services until his body wears out.

Le’Ron McClain, BAL (FB) – McClain could easily become the league’s most valuable fullback over the next decade if he allows for it. However, given his recent comments requesting more carries, I very much doubt if he’ll stick around in Baltimore after the year is over.

Other Notable Free Agents:
Tim Hightower, ARI
Jerious Norwood, ATL
Kevin Smith, DET
Brandon Jackson, GB
Kolby Smith, KC
Fred Taylor, NE
Laurence Maroney, NE
Kevin Faulk, NE
Sammy Morris, NE
Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
Mike Bell, PHI
Mewelde Moore, PIT
Mike Tolbert, SD
Leon Washington, SEA
Kenneth Darby, STL
Clifton Smith, TB
Willie Parker, WAS
Brian Leonard, CIN (FB)
Deon Anderson, DAL (FB)
Korey Hall, GB (FB)
Vonta Leach, HOU (FB)
Naufahu Tahi, MIN (FB)
Ahmard Hall, TEN (FB)

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;760451]I think we need to worry about WR before RB[/quote]

Tick for tat. It depends on the focus of the Offense. You need to have better WR's then you do RB's if you want to use the passing game to open the running game (the new trend in the NFL). You need better RB's then WR's if you want the running game to open your passing game.

Shanahan, from what I have seen, has always been a run first coach. To be really good at this, you need a good RB. I would rather get a really good RB and young WRs who can be groomed easily. WRs like DeSean Jackson would be really good.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=Mattyk;760436]DW is going to be big $$. Of course we need to upgrade the OL first and foremost, and it's nice for a change to actually have faith the front office is on the same page in that regard. Still, we definitely need to upgrade at RB as well.[/quote]

I like Dengelo Williams, and at 27 he's got a few good years left. He's an upgrade over what we have now considering this will probaly be the last year for Portis. I'm not sold on Torian's ability to stay healthy though he has shown promise.

I'm in total agreement with your assessment on the O/L. Nothing is going to be an upgrade until we improve the most important part of the offense.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

Until we get the line fixed, any resources directed at running back are wasted. I would only make exception for a back that brings a significant talent in the passing game.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

I think we need to make our own talent through the draft, instead of relying on retread or recycled players..

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

Then there's this story, it's a long, long, long shot. But I wonder who drafted him?

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5824308]Maurice Clarett on UFL comeback: 'It's a blessing from God' - ESPN[/url]

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=BleedBurgundy;760464]Until we get the line fixed, any resources directed at running back are wasted. I would only make exception for a back that brings a significant talent in the passing game.[/quote]

Totally agree....Donovan McNabb must cringe when he see's this offensive line trot out onto the field and pretend to be blockers.

T. Williams, a gem providing he can stay free of injury. Could still use another year in the weight room.

K. Lictensteiger, UFA on the street after being released by the Vikings in 2009

C. Rabach, UFA Problems with power players.

A. Hicks, UFA Serviceable, diminishing skills.

S. Heyer, UDFA Mr Pitiful rotating with J.Brown obtained in trade, not healthy and so far has shown an inability to get well.

Far to many FA's behind the name of these players. This unit absolutely MUST be dealt with in order to have any hope for this offense to improve. It's more important than any skilled position.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

With an injury he's going to be at bargain price...how about we draft a RB in the second round?

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

I don't think there's a chance in hell KC lets Jamaal Charles get away. As far as D'Angelo, I definitely don't want to throw that kind of money at an injury prone guy.

I agree with SS that we'd be better served to develop guys like Williams and Torain and maybe see what we have in James Davis as well.

This team needs to focus on developing young talent/draft picks. Besides, I think OL and WR are more of a priority right now. I don't see Shanahan spending big bucks on a RB anyway. Not really his style.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=saden1;760470]With an injury he's going to be at bargain price...how about we draft a RB in the second round?[/quote]

How about an O-lineman or WR?

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=GMScud;760472]I don't think there's a chance in hell KC lets Jamaal Charles get away. As far as D'Angelo, I definitely don't want to throw that kind of money at an injury prone guy.

I agree with SS that we'd be better served to develop guys like Williams and Torain and maybe see what we have in James Davis as well.

This team needs to focus on developing young talent/draft picks. Besides, I think OL and WR are more of a priority right now. I don't see Shanahan spending big bucks on a RB anyway. Not really his style.[/quote]

Yep, Charles is one of those "franchise players", a cornerstone, etc. Drafted in the 3rd round even. Of course, we the Skins would have used such a pick better. Traded it away for some overrated vet!!!!!

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=GMScud;760472][B]I don't think there's a chance in hell KC lets Jamaal Charles get away[/B]. As far as D'Angelo, I definitely don't want to throw that kind of money at an injury prone guy.

I agree with SS that we'd be better served to develop guys like Williams and Torain and maybe see what we have in James Davis as well.

This team needs to focus on developing young talent/draft picks. Besides, I think OL and WR are more of a priority right now. I don't see Shanahan spending big bucks on a RB anyway. Not really his style.[/quote]

If there was a chance would you take it? I would for sure. The other RBs on that list are not worth a big paycheck. I think a Sproles in the backfield would be a plus though.

I agree OL is a priority right now. WRs yeah sure, but if Santana Moss leaves that probably becomes priority 1 on offense

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=GMScud;760473]How about an O-lineman or WR?[/quote]

How about defensive backs and defensive linemen and linebackers? There's no shortage of needs. We need a new center for sure.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=Chico23231;760476][B]If there was a chance would you take it?[/B] I would for sure. The other RBs on that list are not worth a big paycheck. I think a Sproles in the backfield would be a plus though.

I agree OL is a priority right now. WRs yeah sure, but if Santana Moss leaves that probably becomes priority 1 on offense[/quote]

If there's still no salary cap, sure. He turns 24 next month. I'd be thrilled to have him, I just don't think it's worth much of a discussion because IMO the likelihood of KC letting him walk is basically zero.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=saden1;760479]How about defensive backs and defensive linemen and linebackers?[/quote]

A fullback and some guards? LOL. We could go all day with this shitshow of a team.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

no big names at running back please. directing a large chunk of salary cap money to a running back does not make sense to me. id rather draft a guy or stick with torain and co.

runningbacks to me should be a revolving door unless you land a top tier guy like AP or CJ. any other guys production is based more on how much that team runs, staying healthy and O line.

after CP, i just dont see the point in allocuting alot of cap to the running back position. id rather draft or bring them in cheap, run them hard for a few years, let them go, repeat process.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

[quote=over the mountain;760488]no big names at running back please. directing a large chunk of salary cap money to a running back does not make sense to me. id rather draft a guy or stick with torain and co.

runningbacks to me should be a revolving door unless you land a top tier guy like AP or CJ. any other guys production is based more on how much that team runs, staying healthy and O line.

after CP, i just dont see the point in allocuting alot of cap to the running back position. id rather draft or bring them in cheap, run them hard for a few years, let them go, repeat process.[/quote]

Well, there is of course no salary cap right now....

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

yeah right now. i tried to understand all the diff options that may come out of the new CBA but now im just resigned to assuming there will be a cap, tags etc like we are used to before this year.

if there is no cap and the skins go the way of the yankees, well ... i wont say it until the time comes.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

DW had a terrible season this year behind that banged up Carolina offensive line. I know he's talented, but I'd rather us use our resources elsewhere.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

We dont need to worry about RB's or WR's...build the OLINE and like magic everything else will fall into place? I wish I could be a nfl gm and build a team. Its not rocket science!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An OLINE with depth is more feared than any running back or WR's core. Im so sick of this we trade draft picks like they mean nothing. I rather flounder for 5 years building a team in the draft as a fan than try and win now. Danny boy imagine all the glory you could of had by now if you were more patient. It sickens me to see the Pats build great teams every year in the draft.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

As much as I love Williams, he should not be someone we hope to win the bidding war for.. We have many other positions that need to be taken care of before we can begin consider the luxury, which is to have a home-run running back. The positions such as guards (we need two new starters), center (although it doesn't seem likely due to Rabach contract extension unless Shanahan changes his mind and wants a new one), WR, nose tackle, LBs to replace Rocky (if we let Rocky walk) and Fletcher (although I'm hoping he will stay 1 or maybe even 2 more years but the fact is he is aging and nobody can last forever in NFL), DEs to replace Philips Daniels and Holiday, CB (assuming we don't extend Rogers's contract), and possibly a FS.. Thus, if we want to win many games then we need to focus on those positions before we decide to try upgrade a position that is already good enough.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

I'd much rather see the front office fix the offensive line before we go after running backs. And even if we do go after a running back this offseason I'd rather see them take a guy who will command less money but might be a great fit for his system. I'm curious about Jerious Norwood from ATL, I think he could be had for cheap and I think he's a big home run hitter who could excel in Shanny's system. He's had his injury problems over the years though, so that might be a concern.

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

we can pick up o-line, olb in FA and draft wr and a rb

Re: DeAngelo Williams may be done with the Panthers
 

I agree with bringing in better OL for the zone running scheme. Torrain & Williams can hold us over til we draft LaMichael James, and then we become totally dominant.