Carolina Panthers’ Jaycee Horn Contract Is Looking Worse
The contract extension recently given to Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn continues to look more questionable with time.
Just before free agency began, the Panthers handed Horn a massive four-year, $100 million deal, locking him in through 2029. While it’s great that they secured a star player for the long term, especially after having the worst defense in NFL history last season, it’s becoming clear that the Panthers may have overpaid for Horn.
When comparing Horn’s contract to deals signed by other top cornerbacks, the disparity is glaring. Byron Murphy received three years and $66 million, Charvarius Ward got $60 million over three years, Paulson Adebo signed for $54 million over three years, and D.J. Reed landed a three-year, $8 million deal.
Horn, however, is set to make $25 million annually, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. This distinction feels steep for someone who’s played in just 37 out of a possible 68 games across four seasons.
Even at safety, Jevon Holland, widely regarded as one of the best players on the open market, signed a much more reasonable three-year, $45.3 million contract.
It’s difficult to argue that Horn is the top cornerback in the league, and some may not even place him in the top 10, especially given his injury history. This past season, in what was his healthiest year, Horn posted 68 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and 13 passes defended, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. While solid, that doesn’t justify the largest contract ever for a defensive back.
Horn is undeniably talented and only 25 years old, so there’s still room for growth. However, the Panthers are investing heavily in a player with significant injury risks—one they might have considered trading instead.
Hopefully, this move doesn’t backfire on Carolina, as they can ill afford major mistakes right now.
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