Chuba Hubbard

Hubbard turns 27 in June 2026, placing him at the typical RB value cliff. His 2025 production cratered from 1,195 yards and 10 TDs in 2024 to just 511 yards and 1 TD (3.8 YPC) in 2025, signaling potential age-related decline.

Rico Dowdle tops the running back depth chart for the first time this season. Head coach Dave Canales hinted that Hubbard is likely to cede more carries to Rico Dowdle, noting that 'we cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional'.

Hubbard's production saw a significant downturn in 2025, finishing with 511 rushing yards (3.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown while adding 30-223-3 receiving across 15 games.

Jonathon Brooks is fully cleared and reportedly 'close to 100%' after a second ACL tear, and is projected as RB2 with clear breakout pedigree; AJ Dillon and Trevor Etienne further crowd the backfield, threatening Hubbard's workhorse share.

Healthy Jonathon Brooks (value 2929, recovered from multiple knee injuries) is the clear succession plan; ESPN's Liz Loza projects Brooks as Carolina's RB1 with 900+ rushing yards, threatening to cap Hubbard at a timeshare ceiling in 2026.

Carolina's offense remains a developmental project with Bryce Young in Year 3 and a skill group anchored primarily by Tetairoa McMillan. Below-average passing efficiency constrains total scoring opportunity and limits the RB target volume needed to push into true RB1 territory.

Current tier-5 valuation (2948 trade value) presents a final opportunity to trade Hubbard to contenders needing RB depth before age cliff accelerates. Sell-high window is closing.

Rico Dowdle departed to Pittsburgh on a 2yr/$12.25M deal and the Panthers passed on running backs entirely in the 2026 draft. With Brooks carrying major injury uncertainty and Trevor Etienne an afterthought, Hubbard enters camp as the unchallenged lead back for the first time in his career.

If Carolina prioritizes offensive line improvements and commits to a run-heavy scheme under new leadership, Hubbard could see increased volume and touchdown opportunities in 2025.

Hubbard is locked into a 4-year, $33.2M extension through 2028 with no team out until 2027. The Panthers invested in him as their lead back and publicly support him despite 2025 struggles.

Rico Dowdle is entering free agency and appears likely to leave after switching agents and expressing frustration with decreased late-season touches. His departure would restore Hubbard's lead role and touch volume.

Dave Canales' play-action-heavy offense requires a featured back to establish the run and create leverage on early downs. Hubbard's pass-catching ability (11% target share in Week 19) and between-the-tackles profile are well-suited for this role.