Entering the final season of a five-year contract, DeAngelo Williams would like nothing more than to sign a long-term extension. But he knows that isn't likely to happen right now given the current NFL landscape.

The Panthers still aren't giving out contract extensions, due in large part to owner Jerry Richardson's direct involvement in CBA negotiations with the players union.

Richardson doesn't want to send the wrong message to fellow owners, so he isn't spending money.

Williams is set to make $2.1 million this season, which is low for a guy who has run for 2,632 yards and 25 touchdowns in his past 29 starts and earned Pro Bowl honors last year. But he knows his payday will come at some point.