NFL Trade Deadline 2012: Panthers Should Deal DeAngelo Williams Before Deadline

When it's time to cut ties, it's time. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers are willing to listen to offers for DeAngelo Williams.

"

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

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 28, 2012"

Here are three reasons why Carolina needs to deal Williams prior to Tuesday's deadline.

Jonathan Stewart

 Jonathan Stewart is still only 25 years of age, compared to Williams' 29. It's time for him to be given the entire load of the ground game with Mike Tolbert spelling him every now and then.

Williams came in with a lot of promise, and he has had some success in his career, but his issue has been consistency. Some games, or in his case, years, he has it and some years he doesn't.

He was averaging 3.5 yards per carry prior to Sunday's game against the Bears. With his age and lack of production, it's time for Carolina to part ways with the running back.

Carolina needs a new direction

Cam Newton is the quarterback of the future, and Jonathan Stewart deserves the rest of the year as the primary back. The Panthers need to try this idea for the remainder of the season to see if any progress is made.

If there is no progression, Carolina should cut ties with both running backs and find a back for the future. It starts with getting rid of Williams for any value out there.

Passing league

The NFL has clearly turned into a passing league. We have seen teams add studs late in drafts at the running back position, and we have seen teams win Super Bowls with no running game. 

Williams isn't needed as a Panther any longer. His time is up. It's been a solid run, but it's over.

In today's league, trading Williams for a draft pick could land them a legitimate weapon for Newton and the offense of the future.