Panthers sign key player to big contract extension

Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Carolina Panthers helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers are having another forgettable season, but that has not stopped one of their players from earning a huge contract extension.

Chuba Hubbard agreed to a 4-year, $33.2 million extension with the Panthers on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $15 million fully guaranteed.

Sources: The #Panthers have locked in one of their young stars, agreeing to terms with RB Chuba Hubbard on 4-year, $33.2M contract extension.

He gets a max value of $37.2M with $15M in new fully guaranteed money. pic.twitter.com/oDOf5AxmDM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2024

Hubbard’s new $8.25 million average annual salary makes him one of the 10 highest-paid running backs in the NFL.

The Panthers drafted Hubbard in the fourth round in 2021. Hubbard was one of the best running backs in the country at Oklahoma State, but his NFL career got off to a slow start. He showed signs of breaking through last year with 902 rushing yards, and he has been one of the best backs in the league this season.

Through nine weeks, Hubbard ranks fifth in the NFL with 665 rushing yards. He has scored 6 total touchdowns, which is already a career high. He is also averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per carry.

The Panthers traded up to draft former Texas star running back Jonathan Brooks in the second round this year. That led to some speculation that they were down on Hubbard, but Brooks is still making his way back from a torn ACL and has not played yet this season.

Hubbard’s big extension proves that the Panthers view him as a No. 1 running back going forward, regardless of what happens with Brooks.