Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard agrees to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension

A unanimous All-American at Oklahoma State, Hubbard transferred to the Panthers via a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft. In his first two NFL seasons, Hubbard played a depth-focused role behind Christian McCaffrey and only made significant appearances as a rookie after McCaffrey was sidelined due to injury. The same was largely true in early 2022 until the Panthers traded McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers, after which Hubbard moved back to D’Onta Foreman’s committee.

Carolina spent several years trying to pair Hubbard with another defensive back and replacing Foreman with former Eagles star Miles Sanders in 2023, but Hubbard ultimately proved to be their best option by rushing for 902 yards and five touchdowns in 2023 . He parted ways with Sanders in 2024, emerging as the Panthers’ best option in an offense that could definitely use the consistency of one of their veteran position players. Hubbard could also have a new backfield mate, as second-round pick Jonathon Brooks could make his debut this Sunday against the Giants.

Hubbard’s new contract solidifies his role in Carolina for the foreseeable future, and at a relatively affordable price. With an average of $8.3 million per season, Hubbard is ahead of Chicago’s D’Andre Swift and Baltimore’s Derrick Henry, but behind New England’s Rhamondre Stevenson.

As Carolina tries to sort out their roster and chart their future course, they know at least one contributor – Hubbard – will be part of their plans after securing his future.