CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jaycee Horn and the Carolina Panthers reached an agreement that makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
The Panthers announced that Horn’s extension is for four years. A league source confirmed to WCNC Charlotte’s Nick Carboni that Horn’s deal is for $100 million with $70 million guaranteed. He is the highest-paid defensive back in league history and under contract through the 2029 season.
Keeping Horn in the mix has been a top priority for general manager Dan Morgan. The 2021 first-round pick has been a cornerstone for Carolina’s secondary. Morgan reportedly said he was hopeful a deal would come together “sooner than later” at the NFL combine. Mission accomplished.
WCNC Charlotte’s Nick Carboni joined WCNC+ to discuss Horn’s new contract.
“As the free agency period beings this week, everybody looked for the Panthers to make big moves from the outside,” Carboni said. “This is not unexpected, but it is very big news that the Panthers are holding onto Jaycee Horn. He’s one of the top cornerbacks in the league. He is somebody that this team, and this defense, can ill afford to lose.”
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
Horn and 2020 first-round pick Derrick Brown provide stability for a Panthers defense that was a real mess in 2024. Horn was named to his first Pro Bowl after playing more than 1,000 snaps in 15 games last season.
“This is something that was well-earned for him and it’s something the team needed to take care of,” Carboni explained. “No doubt if you’re Dan Morgan and the Panthers, once you saw his ability to stay on the field and also play at a Pro Bowl level, they were going to re-sign him.”