The Facts: The Panthers released Shaun Foster on Thursday, a move that clears salary-cap space and opens the door for DeAngelo Williams to become the team's featured back. "We wish him the best because we'll always hold him in high regard," GM Marty Hurney said. "We just thought it was time to go in another direction."

Diehards Line:Foster, Carolina's second-round pick in 2002, never rushed for more than 897 yards in six seasons plagued by fumbles and injuries. The move clears about $4.75 million in cap space and comes after the Panthers started shopping Foster in the last couple of weeks. "There were some conversations, but nothing came about," Hurney said. The GM added the team's current plan is to make Williams the No. 1 back. "DeAngelo was a first-round pick two years ago and we have all the confidence in him and think that he's very good," Hurney said.