NFL

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

Hubbard has been a revelation this season — a bright spot on an otherwise wretched Panthers team — but Carolina is overpaying here. This pact places the 25-year-old near the upper tier of running back salaries, which would be palatable if Hubbard had a long track record of success. That isn’t the case, though. Hubbard has limped to 4.1 yards per carry over his four-year career, and while he’s recorded 665 yards and five touchdowns on the ground this season, it’s no lock that he’ll keep it up.

There’s more. Carolina just drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 draft and is about to activate the rookie. Wouldn’t it make more sense to get a look at Brooks for a few weeks before committing to Hubbard long term? I get that the Panthers need to lock in as much talent — especially of the younger variety — as possible, but this extension is reactionary.

Grade: D+