Should the Panthers Trade DeAngelo Williams?

Added on Oct 19, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

With the NFL trade deadline looming, it appears there won’t be much, if any, movement at all. However, that doesn’t mean some teams aren’t pondering potential deals. One such team that could be willing to wheel ‘n’ deal is the Carolina Panthers. At 0-5, the Cats have little hope of salvaging the 2010 campaign and are staring at a massive offseason rebuilding project. A rebuilding project which likely won’t include would-be free agent running back DeAngelo Williams. So, why not trade the guy?

Williams is off to a slow start this season with only 317 yards and one touchdown on the ground. His 4.7 yards per carry is solid, but the presence of Jonathan Stewart has limited his overall production. Speaking of Stewart, he appears to be the future at running back in Carolina. It’s highly unlikely the Panthers can afford Williams, who will demand a five- or six-year contract next March.

With teams like the Redskins, Bucs, Packers and Patriots desperate for backfield help, it’s only logical for the Cats to consider dealing Williams. Rather than let him walk into free agency, why not get something in return? A first- or second-round pick in exchange for Williams would go a long way in helping the Panthers replenish a roster devoid of talent.

Would a contender like Green Bay give up a high round draft selection to gain the services of Williams? Probably not, but they should. The Packers missed out on the Marshawn Lynch sweepstakes and still haven’t found a reliable replacement for Ryan Grant. Willis McGahee is also a possibility, and would come at a cheaper price, but the opportunity to land a stud back like Williams is tempting.

The Panthers aren’t the best run organization, so I doubt they have the guts or smarts to pull off a last-minute deal. Obviously they don’t want to just give Williams away, but keeping him makes little sense.