Rico Dowdle has surged in the Panthers’ backfield during Chuba Hubbard’s absence, delivering back-to-back 200+ total-yard games and forcing 10 missed tackles in Week 5 against Miami, with 157 yards after contact. Hubbard’s $33.2 million extension hasn’t yielded consistent production this season, and injuries have lingered.

With Trevor Etienne and Jonathon Brooks waiting in the wings, Carolina could maximize value by extending Dowdle and exploring a Hubbard trade. Dowdle’s burst and reliability point to a longer-term role, while Hubbard’s value may fetch draft capital or cap relief as the franchise retools.