The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams says the team has decided to release him after nine seasons.

Williams told Charlotte television station WBTV Monday that he was informed of the decision in a meeting last week with general manager Dave Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera.

Panthers spokesman Steve Drummond confirmed the meeting, but says the team hasn’t released Williams at this point.

It’s possible the team could designate Williams, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, as a post-June 1 cut. That would save about $2 million under the salary cap.

Williams told WBTV that he was being cut because the team doesn’t run the ball enough to justify keeping him and Jonathan Stewart on the roster.

Williams missed 10 games last season due to injury and ran for just 219 yards.