Panthers Sign Shocking Player to Extension Right After Trade Deadline
By Cem Yolbulan
The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of another disastrous season. After finishing 2023 with a 2-15 record, they aren't much improved under new management and a new head coach. They are 2-7 at the halfway point in the season and have the worst defense and the fourth-worst offense in the league.
Their latest decision is the perfect example of what has been ailing the Panthers over the years. On Thursday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Panthers are signing talented rusher Chuba Hubbard to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension. As good as Hubbard has been for Carolina this season, this is a dumbfounding decision.
Panthers News: Carolina Signs RB Chuba Hubbard to Four-Year Contract Extension
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.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 7, 2024
He gets a max value of $37.2M with $15M in new fully guaranteed money. 💰 💰 💰 pic.twitter.com/oDOf5AxmDM
This extension makes Hubbard the sixth-highest-paid running back in the NFL in terms of contract value. Only Josh Jacobs, Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and Rhamondre Stevenson have higher total salaries for the duration of their contracts.
Through the first nine games of this season, Hubbard has been one of the best players on the Panthers. On the offensive end, he has arguably been the most effective playmaker for the team.
He has 773 total yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns while averaging a career-high 5 yards per carry. This has been a breakout season for the former fourth-round pick.
However, what is so indefensible about this deal is that the Panthers drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first running back selected in his class. They still have Miles Sanders, who they gave a four-year, $25.4 million contract last offseason, in the rotation.
Making Hubbard one of the highest-paid running backs in the league immediately after drafting the best RB prospect in the draft is a bizarre strategy. Wanting to retain talent is understandable, but the Panthers management has to have a more coherent plan for roster construction.
More Panthers news and rumors:
feed