The Panthers have released RB DeShaun Foster. Not exactly a surprise. Still, kinda sad.
Foster looked like a guy who could be an NFL feature back, back when Stephen Davis was the feature back and Foster was the change-up guy. His determined TD run in the 2003 NFC title game locked up a trip to the Super Bowl — and possibly kept the Panther braintrust from seeing Foster’s limitations as a player.
Injuries and fumbles, two great banes of running backs, kept Foster from realizing his potential. DeShaun was a great community guy and any real fan has to hope he lands somewhere for a couple more seasons.
Now the Panthers need to find a guy who can work with DeAngelo Williams. Williams, I think, can be a feature guy. Maybe that assumption says a 2nd rounder with size is what you need, or an overlooked backup. But I do not think you spend major free agent money or a 1st rounder at RB. Not with the needs at OL and along the DL.
The fact is, you cannot win in the NFL unless you are strong upfront — and have RBs who hit holes and hold onto the ball.
