The Carolina Panthers signed running back Chuba Hubbard to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension. The deal includes $15 million in guaranteed money, including his salary for 2024. The new contract will expire after the 2028 season.
The Panthers selected the former Oklahoma State standout in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He had a promising NFL career after earning the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a Unanimous All-American nod in 2019 after rushing for 2,094 yards and 21 touchdowns. Back then, Hubbard signed a four-year, $4.19 million rookie-scale contract.
Hubbard had decent stats during his rookie season, finishing with 612 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 17 games. Two years later, he exceeded 1,000 yards from scrimmage after finishing with 902 rushing and 233 receiving yards.
Panthers, RB Chuba Hubbard agree to terms on 4-year, $33.2M contract extension. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/bUFfXcuj26
— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2024
In nine games this season, Hubbard has 133 carries for 665 yards and five touchdowns. Despite their struggles in the first half of the season, he has been a bright spot in the Panthers’ offense. Hubbard has two 100-yard games and has lost only one fumble this season. He also has one receiving touchdown from 108 yards.
Meanwhile, as they fight for football relevance, Hubbard and rookie Jonathon Brooks will be Carolina’s 1-2 punch in the ground game. However, the Panthers created a logjam in the position because they also have Miles Sanders, who they signed to a four-year, $25 million contract in the 2023 offseason.
-Lance Fernandez