Carolina Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan has made it clear: he’s thrilled about the team’s revamped backfield. The Panthers, long searching for consistency in their rushing attack, have taken decisive steps to solidify their ground game. Morgan’s enthusiasm centers around two key players—Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks—who, together, could form one of the league’s most dynamic running back duos.
Chuba Hubbard: The Proven Workhorse
In November 2024, the Panthers showed their faith in Hubbard by signing him to a four-year contract extension worth up to $37.2 million, with $15 million guaranteed. At the time of the deal, Hubbard had already established himself as one of the league’s most effective runners, ranking fifth in the NFL with 665 rushing yards in just nine games. He was averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per carry and had scored six total touchdowns.
Morgan didn’t hold back in his praise for Hubbard, emphasizing his work ethic, leadership, and production. “Chuba has been a rock for us,” Morgan said. “He plays with passion, he works hard, and he makes the guys around him better.” The team clearly values Hubbard’s reliability and believes he can be a foundational piece of the offense moving forward.
Jonathon Brooks: The Explosive Rookie
While Hubbard provides a dependable, every-down presence, the Panthers sought to add a playmaker with home-run ability. That’s where Jonathon Brooks comes in. The Panthers made a bold move in the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up in the second round to select Brooks out of Texas.
Brooks had a breakout season in college, rushing for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns before an injury cut his year short. Despite the setback, his potential was undeniable. He showcased elite vision, agility, and breakaway speed, with 11 runs of 20 or more yards, including four touchdowns. The Panthers saw in Brooks a player who could add explosiveness to their offense, complementing Hubbard’s power running with his ability to hit the edge and break long gains.
Morgan was ecstatic about the pick, making it clear that Brooks fit perfectly into the team’s vision. “We value the running backs. We value the run game,” Morgan stated. “We’re going to be running the ball, and we are [going to be] a physical team.”
A New Identity for the Panthers Offense
With head coach Dave Canales implementing his offensive philosophy, the Panthers are doubling down on a ground-and-pound approach. The combination of Hubbard’s consistency and Brooks’ big-play ability gives Carolina a backfield capable of wearing down defenses while also providing explosive moments.
Morgan’s confidence in this pairing is well-founded. A strong rushing attack can take pressure off young quarterback Bryce Young, giving him more manageable situations and allowing the offense to control the tempo of games.
If Hubbard continues his impressive trajectory and Brooks lives up to his potential, the Panthers may have found the perfect pairing to lead their backfield for years to come.