Was it really wise for the Carolina Panthers to stick with DeShaun Foster at running back? Last year, the Panthers were an outstanding team despite the fact that Steve Smith was their only playmaker offensively. Keary Colbert, Ricky Prohel, and Drew Carter were almost non-factors the entire season. The running game was not that good for the Panthers early on in the season. When the Panthers needed someone to step up late in the season besides Smith though, Foster came through.

Before Week 12 of the season, the most that Foster had rushed for during the 2005 season was 74 yards. In Week 13, the Panthers picked up a huge division win against the Atlanta Falcons, and Foster was a huge part of that. He carried the ball a season-high 24 times for 131 yards. Over the next three weeks, Foster didn't put up huge numbers, but he carried the load often. When Week 17 hit against the Falcons again, Foster really kicked into another gear with 165 yards rushing on just 18 carries.

Foster continued his success into the playoffs, but then the injury bug hit him again. Foster broke his leg against the Chicago Bears and was unable to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. The Seahawks embarrassed the Panthers, who could not do anything offensively. Jake Delhomme was not on target, Smith couldn't get open, and Nick Goings couldn't do everything himself.

After the season ended, the Panthers parted ways with veteran running back Stephen Davis. Davis was productive in the past, but he was injured very often and he is only getting older. The Panthers then had to make a decision on whether or not they should keep Foster. Several very attractive running backs - Shaun Alexander, Ahman Green, Edgerrin James, and Jamal Lewis - were projected to be available to negotiate with when free agency began. Alexander and James would have seemed like perfect fits for the Panthers' system.

So why did the Panthers simply re-sign Foster? Because that list quickly became very small.

The Panthers by no means want to be in a re-building mode. They do not have a very high draft pick, which eliminated the possibility of them selecting Reggie Bush, LenDale White, or DeAngelo Williams. In regards to the proven running backs, the Seahawks were able to sign Alexander to the biggest contract for a running back in history. Green re-signed with the Packers, leaving James and Lewis as the top two free agent running backs. The Colts probably weren't going to re-sign James originally, but now that they have several million more due to the collective bargaining agreement, they will probably pursue the talented back. That left Jamal Lewis and DeShaun Foster for the Panthers to choose from.

When you take a look at Lewis, you see a guy who rushed for 2,000 yards just two seasons ago. Last year, he looked awful though. He was not a game-changer whatsoever, had injury problems, and never got going. Lewis is also getting a little older, and his body will only wear down even more. In Foster, the Panthers have a running back that will be heading into his fourth season, which could be considered his prime. He finally began to "gel" as the starter late in the season last year, and his only significant injury came in the playoffs. Of course the Panthers are worried about the health of Foster, but what other choice did they have?

The Panthers best decision was to get the running back situation out of the way. Let's not forget what Carolina's biggest issue was: not having a threat along with Smith. It's time for the Panthers to focus on pursuing a receiver that will make an impact now.