4 winners and losers from the Carolina Panthers pre-roster cut trades
By Dean Jones
Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
Trading for Laviska Shenault Jr. was something of a surprise. Perhaps it was the low compensation, but the Carolina Panthers felt this was a player that could further boost an offense that looks set to make some major improvements next season with Ben McAdoo calling the shots and quarterback Baker Mayfield under center.
Shenault is expected to fill the “wide-back” role that was missed last season when Curtis Samuel left in free agency for the Washington Commanders. But this trade adds another cloud to Chuba Hubbard‘s short-term future with the organization.
Hubbard filled in admirably for Christian McCaffrey as a rookie. However, his inability to become a factor in the passing game coupled with some suspect contact balance meant the Panthers needed to upgrade this offseason.
Carolina signed D’Onta Foreman, who should provide the power aspect based on his production with the Tennessee Titans in 2021. However, three costly drops by Hubbard in the team’s preseason finale might have been the deciding factor in bringing Shenault on board.
It would a big call for the Panthers to cut Hubbard loose after just one season. But the NFL is a ruthless business and if those in power feel like it’s the right thing to do in the wake of Shenault’s arrival, this could be one of the more shocking moves of the day.