Panthers part ways with franchise rushing leader DeAngelo Williams

The Carolina Panthers have released DeAngelo Williams, according to Molly Grantham of WBTV in Charlotte.

When Williams later retweeted Grantham's report, that would appear to be a confirmation of the news.

It would mark the end of an era during which Williams became the franchise's all-time leading rusher with a career that started with the team as a first-round pick in 2006. Williams has rushed 1,432 times for 6,846 yards and 46 touchdowns — all franchise bests — and he's also the Panthers' fifth-leading receivers all time with 178 receptions, for 1,621 yards and seven more scores.

Williams' career, sadly, also has been known for injuries. He was limited to six games last season and  has played all 16 games only four times in his nine-year career, all of which has been in Carolina.

Williiams turns 32 in April and was set to hit against the salary cap for more than $6 million, so it's no surprise he was released. This is the second straight year the Panthers have released a former franchise cornerstone after Steve Smith was cut a little over a year ago. When asked about Williams' status at the NFL scouting combine last week, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman — like he was with Smith in 2014 — was non-committal.

DeAngelo Williams Career Rushing Stats | PointAfter

"I spoke to DeAngelo. We had a great conversation. It's private, it's confidential. It's between us," Gettleman said. "DeAngelo had a tough season. He lost his mom, who he was very close to. He dedicated the season to her, and he just couldn't stay healthy. And it was really hard for him. Then he broke his hand against Minnesota. That's hard, especially when you're 32. A 32-year-old running back in the NFL. It was extremely difficult.

"But he finished the season like a pro's pro, and like a man. And I really respect DeAngelo for the way he finished it. We had our conversation and we'll probably continue, and that's where I'm going to leave it."

Williams now will have to continue with another NFL team if he wants to keep playing.

The Panthers are left with Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert and Fozzy Whittaker and fullback Richie Brockel in the backfield and could be candidates to add some youth and explosion to the position through the draft. The team had only one run longer than 28 yards during the entire regular season.

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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm