Buying or Selling DeAngelo Williams Trade from Carolina Panthers

With a contract that zero NFL general managers would want to take on this season, the chances of the Carolina Panthers dealing running back DeAngelo Williams before Tuesday's trade deadline appear low. 

But Carolina is at least giving the process due diligence. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that the Panthers have been fielding and listening to calls about the 29-year-old running back. 

"With trade deadline Tuesday, teams around league have contacted Carolina to inquire about RB DeAngelo Williams," Schefter tweeted. "Panthers willing to listen."

The obvious problem with any team dealing for Williams is his current price tag. 

The team receiving Williams would have to inherit a contract that pays Williams $43 million over five years—a major cap hit both in 2012 and over the life of the contract. The deal still has three more years, totaling $17.25 million through 2015. 

Any team dealing for Williams now would be paying $2.6 million over the rest of 2012. 

That kind of money just doesn't add up for the production Williams has provided this season. 

In six games leading into Week 8, Williams has averaged just 3.5 yards a carry and 29.5 rushing yards a game. Younger running back Jonathan Stewart has replaced Williams as the Panthers' starting running back. 

Carolina's 23-22 loss to the Chicago Bears Sunday saw Williams carry 11 times for just 33 yards. 

Williams is still a running back who could help a good football team in the right situation, but there simply won't be a general manager willing to both send draft picks to Carolina and inherit Williams' ridiculous contract. 

The Panthers will have to make a decision on keeping Williams and the money he's owed once the 2012 season is over.