First, let me say I really like Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. He is an asset to the community of Tampa and has proved he can be a valuable asset to an orginaztion in need of a number 2 running back. His injury concerns are no secret. In the last two seasons he has only played a total of 10 games due to various (and serious) knee injuries. However, when he is healthy enough to play he is still averaging 5.9 yards a carry (though admitadely it is a small sample size). Not to mention he is in his final year of a 5 year and nearly 20 Mil guranteed contract. So why should we release him before or during Training Camp?

One, I want the best for Williams. I want him to be able to produce and earn another mid-range contract. His carries are going to be extremely limited sitting at the 3rd spot in an offense which is going to be fairly balanced.

Two, Let’s look at the running backs on the roster: Derrick Ward - Is going to be a work horse. He is a durable back who will shine in the zone scheme behind an offensive line who is capable of doing that. Ward is a bruiser, but can also move laterally well. Earnest Graham - Most people, unless you followed Florida (the state) college football closely, didn’t know who he was until just two years ago, when Carnell wen’t down and Graham stepped up to have a fantastic 2007 campaign gathering almost 900 yards in 12 starts and 14 games. Graham will be a very good #2 pending on his health, though no major concerns linger. He is a bruising back who can also do a bit out of the backfield and is also an above average blocker. Clifton Smith - Is a Speed back. While he has huge fumble issues on offense, the guy is a very worthy special teams player and was voted to the pro-bowl as such. He may be expendable with the addition of Sammie Stroughter, but cutting a guy who is a proven pro-bowl talent is risky. Josh Vaughan - Flat-out mean bruising back. He is an undrafted free-agent rookie. Why is he an asset to the team? $. He fills the 4th RB spot at the rookie minimum price.

What does this mean for Cady? If this offseason has told us anything it is that the Glazers are either un-willing, un-able or hesitant to spend money. While Cady isn’t a huge salary, he does carry the teams 4th highest one. If they really want to cut money, Carnell might be a victim of the recession in Tampa. Getting another job won’t be easy for him, but it shouldn’t be too hard. He still has stuff left in the tank and if you can ingnore (which is almost impossible) his injury history, he would be a great #2 back.