Panthers Make Jaycee Horn The Highest-Paid Defensive Back
The Carolina Panthers agreed with Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn on a four-year, $100 million deal ($25 million per year) on Monday to make him the new highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Horn will receive $70 million guaranteed. The deal was negotiated by Trevon Smith and David Mulugheta. Injuries have been an issue for the 25-year-old cornerback since he was taken eighth overall in 2021 -- he's played in just 37 games in four seasons -- but the Panthers were sold after Horn had a career year in 2024. He started a career-high 15 games for the Panthers last season and compiled a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), his first two sacks, five tackles for loss, an interception, and a career-high 13 pass breakups. If Horn can stay healthy again in 2025, he could be in the conversation for best corner in the league.
Panthers Interested In Giving Jaycee Horn An Extension
The Carolina Panthers have said they are interested in working out an extension with cornerback Jaycee Horn that will keep him in Carolina long term, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. The former first-rounder is scheduled to make $12.472 million in 2025 on his fifth-year option. Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II's four-year, $96 million deal last September is the target for top cornerbacks due for extensions, but it's unclear how high the Panthers will be willing to go for Horn. The 25-year-old defensive back has missed time due to injuries in his career -- he played in only three games in his rookie season and six games in 2023 -- but he was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 and has been a key defender when he's been healthy. Horn had a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), his first two career sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass breakups in 15 starts last year.
Despite suffering a hip injury in 2024, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip) participated in the relay race and the flag football game in this year's Pro Bowl festivities last week. Horn was a first-time Pro Bowl participant after a strong 2024 campaign in which he had a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), his first two career sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass breakups in a career-high 15 regular-season starts. The former eighth overall pick by Carolina in 2021 out of South Carolina has dealt with his fair share of injuries in his first four NFL seasons -- he's played in only 37 games over four years -- but the Panthers could be considering giving him a long-term contract extension this offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2025.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip), outside linebacker Amare Barno (shoulder), linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion), safety Lonnie Johnson (neck, shoulder) and outside linebacker DJ Johnson (personal) have all been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Additionally, defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (neck) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (rest) are listed as questionable. Horn, a former first-rounder in 2021, will end up missing the final two games of his fourth and best season in the NFL. In 15 starts, Horn compiled a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), two sacks, five tackles for loss, an interception and a career-high 13 pass breakups. With Horn out again, Caleb Farley will get another start. Despite the Falcons starting a rookie QB, Carolina's defensive unit should be well off the fantasy radar in Week 18.
Jaycee Horn Out, Jadeveon Clowney Active In Week 17
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip) has officially been ruled out in Week 17 versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, while outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee, elbow) is active despite being listed as questionable. The Panthers defense will also be without linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion, quadriceps), who was ruled out on Friday. Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (knee, illness) and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (knee, shoulder), who were both listed as questionable, are active. Horn, 25, was considered doubtful to play this weekend, so his absence from the lineup on Sunday shouldn't be a surprise after getting hurt in last week's overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals. With Horn out against Tampa, look for Caleb Farley to serve as Carolina's No. 2 corner.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip) is considered doubtful to play in Week 17 on Sunday versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers after not practicing all week. Additionally, the Panthers will be without cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (chest, illness) and linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion, quadriceps). Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (elbow, knee), defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (knee, illness) and linebackers D.J. Wonnum (knee, shoulder) and Cam Gill (illness) are questionable. Horn played every snap of the Week 16 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals but now is unlikely to suit up this weekend, which will make Carolina's secondary more vulnerable against gunslinging quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. The Panthers defense/special teams unit should be avoided in fantasy.
Carolina Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn (groin) is officially questionable for this weekend's home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The fourth-year DB suffered the injury in last Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles -- limiting him to less than 100% of Carolina's snaps for only the third time this season. While Horn has yet to miss a game in 2024 -- something he's failed to do over his first three years -- he could be in danger of doing so in Week 15. Per head coach Dave Canales, the team will check in with the South Carolina product on Saturday to "make sure he's in the right space," as he's been more of a day-to-day case with the ailment. If the 25-year-old cannot play, fellow defensive backs Chau Smith-Wade, Dane Jackson, and Caleb Farley could see elevated usage against the visiting Cowboys.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (groin) exited during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Horn had registered six total tackles, bringing his season total to 62. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it was evidently enough to keep him sidelined for most of the fourth quarter. Until Horn can return to action, Dane Jackson should step up as one of Carolina's primary cornerback options alongside Mike Jackson.
Carolina Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn (calf) will be available ahead of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Horn has been limited in practice all week due to a calf issue. Despite that, Horn appears to be feeling good enough to play this weekend. He has been a key defender for the Panthers this season. Horn has 44 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one interception through 10 games. His presence on the field is a plus for the Panthers, but this defense isn't worth streaming against the Chiefs offense.
Carolina Panthers defensive backs Jaycee Horn (calf) and Xavier Woods (shoulder) were both officially listed as limited in the team's Wednesday practice. Both athletes participated on 100% of Carolina's defensive snaps in Week 10's 20-17 victory over the New York Giants in Munich, so it appears they've each picked up an injury over their Week 11 bye. The duo has yet to miss a game between them this season and are the leading snap-getters at their position for the Panthers, so missing either player this weekend when the team squares off against the Kansas City Chiefs would be a blow to the defense. With a few more days left before the Week 12 home tilt to up their practice participation, they're not yet in danger of being inactive. Woods leads the team in tackles and interceptions in 2024, while Horn leads all Panthers defensive players in passes defensed.
Jaycee Horn
• CB
•
Panthers
