NFL Rumors: Can DeAngelo Williams Still Be Productive in the NFL?

As we start to wind this season down and get the playoffs underway, it's time to start thinking about what offseason moves each team will make to help it reach the Super Bowl in 2011.

DeAngelo Williams is a running back who becomes a free agent this offseason for the Carolina Panthers. Williams' numbers dropped off this season, but will he ever be an effective player in the again?

2008 Stats

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Travis LaBoy #54 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles DeAngelo Wiliams #34 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

Williams had his best professional season in 2008, as he rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season.

Turn to the next page to see the drop off.

2009 Stats

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Williams' numbers dropped off in 2009, as he only rushed for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on the year. It was a major drop off from the year before, but still a decent season.

2010 Stats

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: Usama Young #28 of the New Orleans Saints tackles DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

He had an injury-ridden season in 2010, and only played in six games with the Panthers. In those six games, Williams only rushed for 361 yards and one touchdown.  

Granted, he plays on a lousy team, but these are still very poor numbers for a starting running back.

Get Him an Offensive Line

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

If Williams could play behind a decent offensive line, he could be a very dynamic player for that team. After this season, he will likely be signed by someone other than the Panthers, and if that team has an offensive line, he will make some noise.

He Needs a Great Quarterback

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

Like most running backs in the NFL, Williams doesn't have what it takes to carry the team on his shoulders. However, he would be very explosive if he had a great quarterback handing the ball to him, to open up the running game. He could be dangerous in Indianapolis or even St. Louis as a replacement for an aging Steven Jackson.

Get a Back To Compliment Him

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Demetric Evans #93 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Gett

If a team can find a back that compliments Williams in a Darren Sproles type role, it would be a great advantage for both them and Williams.

Williams should be able to really carry most of the load now that he is healthy, but he needs the tools to succeed as well.

He Will Do Well

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Running back DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball as defensive end Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears defends at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo

If Williams is signed to the right team and is happy, he will preform well for that team.

He has the ability to make anyone miss, and it's inevitable that he'll get a starting running back role with a team next season.