After being selected eighth overall in 2021, Jaycee Horn faced considerable expectations. The Panthers corner has struggled to stay on the field, though, and as a result his ability to land a long-term extension will depend greatly on his health and performance this year. 
Horn played 13 games in 2022, but injuries limited him to a total of nine contests in his other two NFL campaigns. The 24-year-old could have entered the coming season as a pending free agent, but Carolina elected to pick up his fifth-year option. That decision has him on track to earn $12.47MM in 2025, but a multi-year commitment could carry a higher price tag if Horn were to deliver a healthy and productive campaign.
ESPN’s David Newton reports, to little surprise, the South Carolina product has not approached the Panthers about an extension; likewise, the team has not initiated talks on a new deal. Horn remains in Carolina’s long-term plans, however, as Newton adds the team is “preparing to pay top dollar” to keep him in place over the long term. That stance could, of course, be altered by another injury-marred season. Horn is aware he could land a contract near the top of his position’s market if things fall into place.
“I see what a lot of these other top corners are doing,” he said (via Newton). “I feel I’m capable of doing the same thing. I’ve just got to be on the field. If I’m out there all year, I’ll be able to say I’m one of the top.”
Horn has totaled four interceptions and 13 pass deflections to date. He has produced strong statistics in terms of completion percentage and passer rating allowed, and PFF has highly rated his coverage skills. Especially with Donte Jackson no longer in the fold (after he was traded to the Steelers for Diontae Johnson), Horn will be counted on as an anchor of Carolina’s secondary moving forward. The Panthers added Dane Jackson in free agency, but a hamstring injury threatens to land him on injured reserve to begin the campaign.
Jackson’s ailment left the Panthers in need of depth ahead of Week 1, which drove yesterday’s acquisition of Michael Jackson via a trade with the Seahawks. While Jackson has starting experience, plenty of attention will be placed on Horn’s situation in 2024. Remaining on the field could pave the way for a big-ticket contract, but team and player will allow things to play out before serious extension talks commence.
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing Tepper throw more tantrums this year.
Hold your horses. Dude hasn’t played a full season.