PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : NFC : Panthers Cut Barry Foster

Barry Foster, hailed as the savior of the Carolina Panthers’ rushing attack, was waived today by the expansion team.

“There are no easy decisions when you reach this time of year,” Coach Dom Capers said.

Foster had been a disappointment since the Panthers acquired him in May in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to be the feature running back in their ground-oriented offense. Foster led the AFC in rushing in 1992 while with the Steelers but has been hounded by injuries since then and the Steelers were willing to let him go for a pair of lower-round draft choices.

Foster, who was to make about $2.5 million this year, finished Carolina’s five-game exhibition schedule with 62 yards in 22 carries. His per-carry average of 2.8 yards was the lowest on the team.

His duties go to Randy Baldwin, an unrestricted free agent. Baldwin, mainly a kick return specialist in Cleveland, rushed for a total of only 170 yards in three seasons with the Browns.

The Panthers picked up Derrick Moore, the former Detroit back cut by San Francisco on Monday, to help fill the hole.

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The St. Louis Rams continued negotiations with Tommy Maddox after he went unclaimed on waivers. Coach Rich Brooks said cutting Maddox was strictly because of financial reasons. Maddox, the third-string quarterback behind Chris Miller and Mark Rypien, had been making $600,000 and the team is trying to sign him to a long-term deal with a lower base this year.

The Rams also claimed linebacker Dana Howard, who was cut by Dallas, and tight end Aaron Laing, who was released by San Diego. The Rams also cut linebacker Paschal Davis to get to the 53-man roster limit.

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One day after being cut by the Rams, safety Anthony Newman was signed by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints also claimed rookie linebacker Ron Childs, who was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. To make room, the Saints cut linebacker John Johnson and fullback Derrick Ned.

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The Dallas Cowboys have given three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Nate Newton a contract extension through the 1997 season. . . . Fullback Kenyon Rasheed and reserve running back Gary Downs were among seven players waived by the New York Giants in reaching the 53-man roster limit.