Despite his rocky NFL start, the Carolina Panthers remain confident in Bryce Young’s potential. To support his development, they’ve strengthened the offense by signing a star running back who could play a vital role alongside him.
Last year, the Panthers went all out to secure Young, meeting the Chicago Bears’ steep demands for the 1st overall pick. Many scouts considered Young a generational talent, and Carolina didn’t hesitate to invest heavily in him.
Unfortunately, the former Alabama standout’s NFL journey has been turbulent. Earlier this season, he was even benched, leading to speculation that the Panthers might part ways with him after just a season and a half together.
Panthers sign running back to bolster Bryce Young’s offense
The Panthers have faced difficulties throughout the 2024 season. They started with Young as their quarterback, but his early struggles led to a benching after just two games.
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Veteran Andy Dalton stepped in, impressing in his debut. However, a thumb injury from a car accident sidelined Dalton, prompting the Panthers to reinstate Young as the starter.
Since his return, Young has shown improvement, achieving a 1-1 record. However, to enhance his stability in the backfield, the team has added a reliable running back to grow alongside him.
On Thursday, the Panthers announced a four-year contract extension for Chuba Hubbard, valued at up to $37.2 million with incentives. Hubbard is a versatile dual-threat weapon expected to aid Young’s development moving forward.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 06: Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers looks on against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 06, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
This extension comes at a pivotal time for Hubbard. Last spring, the Panthers used a second-round pick to draft Jonathan Brooks, raising speculation that the team might phase out the veteran running back.
Will Bryce Young be traded next offseason?
While this move aims to support Bryce Young, his future with the Panthers remains uncertain. Rumors circulated earlier this season that the team might consider trading him, so his long-term role is still under evaluation.
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Young has regained some confidence from the team and is set to start in Week 10. However, he’ll need a standout second half of the season to solidify his place as Carolina’s franchise quarterback.
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