Jonathan Brooks’ NFL journey has been marked by setbacks, including a devastating ACL injury in college and a subsequent second tear in the same knee just three games back from his initial return. His 2025 season was ultimately ruled out by the Panthers last May, casting doubt on his future.
Despite a modest nine NFL catches, Jonathan Brooks has shown flashes of brilliance, most notably in 2023 when he hauled in 187 receptions. However, his tackle numbers have been consistently inconsistent throughout his career.
The Panthers’ decision to stand by Jonathan Brooks, despite his injury-prone past, speaks volumes about the team’s faith in his talent. By not adding another running back in free agency or the draft, they’ve chosen to put their eggs in Brooks’ basket, opting for veteran AJ Dillon instead.
With Chuba Hubbard leading the charge and AJ Dillon providing a steady presence, Jonathan Brooks is primed to take on a significant role as the primary backup. If he can stay healthy, he’ll have the opportunity to push for a share of carries this season, finally living up to pre-draft expectations.