Running back Chuba Hubbard has been one of the few bright spots for the Carolina Panthers this season. His play is being rewarded as he’s agreed to terms on four-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday. The deal is worth $33.2 million with a max value of $37.2 million, including $15 million guaranteed, according to a league source.
Hubbard, 25, is averaging 5.0 yards per carry this season tallying 665 yards (fifth in the NFL) on 133 carries with five rushing touchdowns. He’s also caught 26 passes for 108 yards and one TD. The Panthers’ 2021 fourth-round pick was in the final year of his rookie contract before receiving an extension.
The former Oklahoma State standout has been able to serve as the No. 1 tailback all season with 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks unable to play yet this season with an injury dating back to college.
Hubbard has picked up 2,645 rushing yards on 638 carries with 17 TDs in his career. He’s also snagged 104 receptions for 686 yards and two TDs.
Why the Panthers extended Hubbard
A cynic could fairly ask if the Panthers failed to learn their lesson in paying a running back. This is a franchise that gave Miles Sanders a four-year, $25 million contract (with $13 million guaranteed) in 2023, only to see the former Philadelphia Eagles back lose his starting job to Hubbard last season and become an afterthought this season. But Hubbard is a different type of runner than Sanders — more physical and downhill. Plus, Dave Canales loves his work ethic and sees Hubbard as a vital piece in establishing the type of culture Canales wants to build.
With Hubbard locked up and Sanders an almost certain offseason cut, the Panthers’ backfield has a nice balance (schematically and financially) with Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks, an explosive, speed back who was activated Wednesday about a year after tearing his ACL at Texas. — Joseph Person, Panthers beat writer
About that 2021 draft class …
Panthers fans have bad memories of the Matt Rhule era. But the former coach — and his wife — deserve credit for drafting Hubbard in the fourth round out of Oklahoma State. (Julie Rhule famously texted her husband 10 minutes before the pick to encourage him to draft Hubbard.)
Hubbard was part of a huge, 11-player draft class in 2021. And with that many players, there were bound to be some misses (WR Terrace Marshall in the second round, long snapper Thomas Fletcher in the sixth). But Rhule and former GM Scott Fitterer also had some nice hits. Cornerback Jaycee Horn is finally healthy, playing like a top-10 pick and is the next candidate to be extended in Carolina. Brady Christensen shifted from tackle to center and back to tackle this season without missing a beat. And TE Tommy Tremble is an effective blocker and receiver, but has been dealing with a back injury this year. — Person
Required reading
- Panthers predictions at NFL midseason: Chuba Hubbard hits 1,000 and Carolina wins 4 games
- Panthers keep Bryce Young, add a fourth-rounder: Analyzing Carolina’s trade deadline decisions
- Bryce Young deserves starting nod with game-winning drive, growing confidence
(Photo: Matt Kelley / Getty Images)
