THE Carolina Panthers invested in his backfield during the NFL Draft before extending Chuba Hubbard during the season. The running back signed a four-year, $33.2 million extension on Thursday. This continues the trend of paying running backs after there was a trend of not paying them. The pendulum seems to have swung back, but paying running backs big money is still an interesting move.

This is because, overall, running backs wear out quickly and are often only as good as line blocking for them. That said, Hubbard has been one of the most productive backs in football over the past season and a half, and Jordan Reid, an NFL Draft analyst, has no problem with the extension.

The prevailing thought for years was that running backs are the least valuable position and should be replaced by rookies rather than extended. That’s not the case at the moment, however, and it’s a solid move by the Panthers in Jordan Reid’s eyes.

He thinks that gives them time to build a strong one-two punch with rookie Jonathon Brooks, who has yet to play this year. They could emulate the Detroit Lions, who recruited Jahmyr Gibbs to team with David Montgomery. Now, for at least the next four seasons, Hubbard and Brooks can work together.

Additionally, Reid said this is an important rebuilding move. Hubbard is one of the few bright spots on this team, and rebuilds are made easier by signing young talent already in the building. That’s exactly what Carolina did here.

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