Panthers sign Hubbard to 4-year extension worth reported $33M

The Carolina Panthers signed running back Chuba Hubbard to a four-year extension, the team announced Thursday.

The deal is worth $33.2 million, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It reportedly includes $15 million guaranteed and has a max value of $37.2 million.

Hubbard is enjoying his most efficient NFL season in 2024: The 2021 fourth-round pick has rushed for 665 yards (5 per carry) and five touchdowns in nine games. He's also caught 26 passes for 108 yards and one score.

Hubbard set a career high with 1,135 scrimmage yards in 2023, including 902 on the ground. The Canadian tailback has rushed for 2,645 yards and 17 touchdowns in 58 appearances with Carolina since entering the NFL.

Now signed through 2028, the 25-year-old figures to be a key player for the rebuilding Panthers, who traded away receivers Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

The NFC South team also drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round in April as the first running back off the board, but he has yet to play due to injury.

Carolina hired first-year head coach Dave Canales this past offseason and is still trying to figure things out at quarterback. Bryce Young remains the team's starter, but the 2023 No. 1 pick has struggled to live up to the hype.