The Panthers’ investment in RB Chuba Hubbard may show a potential shift in culture.
It’s been a pretty good week for the Carolina Panthers. They secured their first home win of the season on Sunday, they secured their starting quarterback for Week 10 on Wednesday and now, they have secured a homegrown talent this morning.
As announced on Thursday, the Panthers and running back Chuba Hubbard have agreed to a long-term contract extension. The pact, as first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, will span over four years—with $37.2 million in maximum value and $15 in new guaranteed money.
This is one of the first huge votes of confidence from the new regime led by the trio of president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan, executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis and head coach Dave Canales. And that vote will offer some much-needed continuity and stability to what’s been a volatile offense.
Hubbard’s pact is a well-earned one, as he’s displayed a substantial amount of growth as a football player. Once a raw runner out of Oklahoma State University, the former fourth-round pick has improved on his balance, power, vision and ball skills since entering the pros in 2021.
He’s also grown into the embodiment of what the aforementioned braintrust is looking to establish. The 25-year-old, particularly here in 2024, has often been commended for his leadership, his work ethic and his attitude.
Investing in players and people like Hubbard is how franchises become successful. Laying this type of groundwork could prove to be an important step in establishing consistent success.
There will, however, be some pushback on the move. The running back position has become increasingly undervalued in the NFL, where teams often look to fill their backfield with later-round draft selections and/or low-cost free-agent signings.
Some will also question why Carolina chose to extend Hubbard after just spending a second-round pick on rookie Jonathon Brooks and ponying up for Miles Sanders in 2023.
On the outside, it looks questionable that Carolina has two expensive running backs on their roster. One player, however, is solidly in the plans for the future while the other is not.
Brooks, meanwhile, is still likely to be an impact player and a viable running mate in what could be a dominant one-two punch on the ground. After all, having two capable running backs never slowed this organization down in the past, did it?
If you’re seeking out even more optimism, look at the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Detroit. The two have been key parts in the Lions’ success over the last two seasons and are both on favorable, cost-efficient contracts.
Overall, the Panthers made a sound decision to keep their star offensive player for the long haul.
His production and play this season, where he ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards, just made this an easier decision for an organization looking for signs of stability and commitment. And, maybe most importantly, the commitment to Hubbard shows a potential shift in the culture for Carolina.
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