Panthers extend deal with RB Chuba Hubbard

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Running back Chuba Hubbard, the NFL's fifth-leading rusher with 655 yards, signed a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension with the team.

Blood dripped from Chuba Hubbard’s lip as the Carolina Panthers running back walked through the locker room.

His teammates celebrated a rare feat last Sunday, a 23-22 victory against New Orleans at Bank of America Stadium. Hubbard scored twice, including the game-winning 16-yard touchdown run.

Hubbard cut his lip on the first score. Trailing the Saints 13-10 at halftime, the Panthers scored on their opening possession of the second half, capped by Hubbard’s 1-yard run. Rising off the turf after New Orleans defender Khristian Boyd stopped him at the goal line, Hubbard rose and stared toward the sideline. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said he liked the look.

Coach Dave Canales called the same play, and Hubbard muscled his way into the end zone.

An emerging locker-room leader and one of the Panthers’ most diligent workers, Hubbard on Thursday was rewarded with a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension.

“All I can really say is ... I’m blessed, worked my whole life for this,” Hubbard told reporters. “To be able to do it here in Carolina and be a part of reshaping, rebuilding this culture, it’s a blessing.”

With Hubbard aboard long-term and rookie Jonathon Brooks expected to make his NFL debut when the Panthers (2-7) face the New York Giants (2-7) in Munich on Sunday, the Panthers are heavily invested in running backs.

Miles Sanders, who has been used mostly as a third-down back this season, signed a four-year, $25.4 million deal prior to last season. Hubbard replaced Sanders as the starter in Week 6 and solidified his hold on the role.

“He is a great locker-room guy who does things right,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said. “The guy is the hardest worker on our team. I’m happy to see guys like that get rewarded.”

A 2021 fourth-round draft pick, Hubbard is fifth in rushing yards (665), but 11th in attempts (133). In 58 NFL appearances, he has compiled 2,645 yards on 638 carries with 17 touchdowns. Sunday marked his second career two-touchdown game.

“What a cool week for him,” Idzik said. “He does a great job putting action behind his words.”  

As the Panthers prepared to depart Charlotte for Germany, Hubbard has 33 rushing first downs and a career-best 5.0 yards per carry average.

“He exemplifies everything we want on and off the field,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said. “Chuba is passionate about football, is productive and is committed to his teammates and winning.”
After last week’s win, Hubbard talked about “building a culture” in Carolina. Over the past two seasons, the Panthers are 4-22.

“I think building an identity just doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “It’s something that takes time; it doesn’t just happen through the good or the bad. You kind of have to go through the ups and downs and see both sides of it to see who you truly are.

“And you know, we still have a long way to go, but definitely feels good to see the bright side of it.”

Hubbard could have tested free agency after this season. Instead, he elected to lead the Panthers and Canales’ run-first offensive approach through their current rebuilding project.

“I’m excited to see that continue,” Idzik said. “He embodies a lot of what we do here.”

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