As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the Carolina Panthers front office would prioritize an extension for elite Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn this offseason. Horn broke out in his fourth season, playing a career-high 15 games, boasting career-highs in pass deflections, and earning him his first Pro Bowl selection. The former 8th overall pick enters the final year of his rookie deal and has a $12.472 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option in 2025.
Carolina Panthers sign lockdown corner to record-breaking contract
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Panthers and Jaycee Horn have agreed to a massive multi-year contract extension. As Rapoport points out, the deal is for 4 years and is worth $100 million and $70 million guaranteed. His $25 million APY now makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
Sources: There is a new highest-paid DB in the NFL history — as the #Panthers agreed on a huge extension with Pro Bowl CB Jaycee Horn.
He gets a 4-year, $100M deal ($25M per year), with $70M guaranteed. Negotiated by Trevon Smith & David Mulugheta of @AthletesFirst. 💰 💰 💰 pic.twitter.com/XsIzIJm9Uw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2025
The Carolina Panthers must give the lockdown cornerback help in the secondary
The lockdown corner cannot do this alone and he needs help in the secondary. The Panthers pass defense is coming off a frustrating year, giving up the 10th-most passing yards, the most passing touchdowns, the 6th-most passing first downs, and tied for the 8th-fewest interceptions. The secondary will need another starting-caliber outside and slot cornerback, a free safety, and a strong safety. Not to mention, seven of their 12 defensive backs are currently free agents.
Here’s a look at their current defensive back room
- Akayleb Evans
- Chau Smith-Wade
- Demani Richardson (safety)
- Shemar Bartholomew
For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:
Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me on LinkedIn. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.
Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.
Our Partners
