Everything's coming up, Hubbard.
Last Thursday, the Carolina Panthers and running back Chuba Hubbard with a four-year, $33.2 million extension. The pact has one of $37.2 million, making the fourth-year rusher one of the highest-paid players at his position.
Then, just a few days later, Hubbard followed suit with a career best performance. He ran for 153 yards and a touchdown at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, putting the Panthers on pace about the New York Giants.
After this outing, Hubbard ranks as the NFL's third-leading rusher (818 yards) heading into Week 11, behind only Baltimore's Derrick Henry (1,120) and Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley (991).
So, yeah, maybe it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that Hubbard is now getting recognition.
And Kevin Patra, senior news editor at NFL.com, delivered just that this week, calling Carolina's workhorse one of his own who deserve Pro Bowl status.
Patra writes:
Take a look at pretty much any running back metric in 2024 and you'll see Hubbard's name among all-time Pro Bowlers. Hubbard ranks third in rush yards (818), fifth in carries (161), eighth in rushing touchdowns (six), fifth in rushing success rate (56.5) and sixth Ranks in yards per game (81.8). Let's go beyond counting stats: Among RBs with at least 100 carries this season, Hubbard ranks third in rush yards over expected (214), fourth in rush yards over expected per carry (1, 4) and first in percentage of runs above expected (49.4%). ), fifth in rush EPA (0.8), fifth in first downs (40) and tied for second in first downs expected (seven). Are these enough numbers to make my point? It may be another bad year in Carolina, but Hubbard has been the engine that has gotten things going at least a little lately. The eventual return of Jonathon Brooks will likely negate some of Hubbard's touches, but he should continue to lead the way. He deserves it.
As Patra notes, Brooks will likely make his debut after the team's bye in Week 11. The 21-year-old rookie and second-round pick was to the 53-man squad before last Sunday's win.
But as Patra also notes, Hubbard is not expected to see a major loss of responsibility when Brooks takes the field. Chuba is the guy, and the organization paid him that way.