The Carolina Panthers go all-in on running back Chuba Hubbard with a four-year contract extension that locks him up with Carolina through the 2028 season. This not only tells Hubbard that the Panthers are all-in on his commitment, but it also shows their confidence in his ability to help shape the future of their team.
A Breakout Year for Hubbard
Hubbard was a fourth-round draft pick in 2021 and has steadily developed into one of the core pieces in the Panthers’ offense. He’s really starting to hit it on all cylinders this season. He presently ranks fifth in the league with 665 rushing yards, is a major threat on the ground with five touchdowns, and a five-yard average per carry. His talent was on full display in last Sunday’s heart-stopping 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints. Hubbard finished with 72 yards rushing, including two crucial touchdowns, the final one being the game-winner late in the fourth quarter.
More Than Just a Rusher
Hubbard is also contributing nicely as a receiver this season, having 26 receptions for 108 yards and also added a touchdown. He’s just an all-around weapon in the Panthers offense. This gives the team a reliable target in the passing game, aside from adding another dimension to the Panthers attack line through his catch and run skills.
Securing the Future
Locking up Hubbard now is a smart move by the Panthers, as he was to hit unrestricted free agency at season’s end. Keeping him on the roster avoids placing Carolina in a position where they’d have to begin building around a trustworthy playmaker, only to lose him to some other team. The extension that creates stability in the backfield is something for which fans should be excited to watch.
Who’s Next for an Extension?
Hubbard secured, the Panthers might look to lock up another young talent cornerback Jaycee Horn. The former first-round pick has flashed brilliance and could be a cornerstone for the Panthers’ defense if the team does extend him as well.
An Electric Backroom Duo
Along with news about Hubbard’s extension, Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will make his NFL debut this weekend against the New York Giants in Munich. A second-round pick, Brooks could add exciting things to the backfield and inject some much-needed life into an otherwise stale offense. Thus, the question still remains: How will Hubbard fit in, and what will he give in subsequent games?
Bright Future Ahead
Panthers fans’ next few years just got a lot more exciting. Hubbard is locked in, and with some more youthful talents emerging, there’s plenty of hope this team will be competitive and bring big plays and big wins to Carolina.
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