The Panthers are releasing DeAngelo Williams after nine seasons, the running back told WBTV on Monday.
Williams was informed last week during a meeting with coach Ron Rivera and general manager Dave Gettleman that his days in Carolina are over, according to the report.
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"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 [Jonathan Stewart] both, so we're going to release you.'"
Cutting DeAngelo Williams should essentially be a push. Had a $1M option that wont be paid now so his dead cap should be $5.6M #Panthers
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 23, 2015
Williams claims that the conversation lasted approximately 10 minutes, and he hasn't heard from the team since.
"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 added. "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."
Williams battled several injuries last season, including a thigh injury, an ankle injury and a broken hand. He had just 219 yards on 62 attempts in five games.
Williams was selected by the Panthers as the 27 overall pick in the 2006 draft. He is the Panthers' all-time leader with 1,432 rushing attempts, 6,846 rushing yards and 46 rushing touchdowns in addition to 18 games with 100 or more rushing yards.