Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
The trade to acquire Laviska Shenault Jr. was a fascinating move by the Carolina Panthers. According to multiple reports, the organization plans to utilize the former second-round selection as a running back/wide receiver hybrid, giving them a more prolific catching presence out of the backfield in the event Christian McCaffrey misses time or needs some rest.
This left the future of Chuba Hubbard hanging in the balance. The fourth-round selection in 2021 did well in the circumstances as a rookie, but some deficiencies in his game could mean he’s relegated to No. 3 on the running back depth chart behind McCaffrey and free-agent signing D’Onta Foreman.
Hubbard’s lack of consistency in the passing game was evident during their preseason finale. The Oklahoma State product was credited with three drops early in the contest, which might have played a role in the Panthers pursuing Shenault.
Carolina went with six wide receivers – seven if you count kick return specialist Andre Roberts – so there might be a surprise cut at one of the skill positions if another addition is secured within a problem position elsewhere.
This could leave Hubbard on the outside looking in based on the team’s current options. Even if the coaching staff still believes there is something there that can be developed next season and possibly beyond.