The Carolina Panthers have secured cornerback Jaycee Horn with a record-breaking contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL. The team finalized a four-year, $100 million deal with Horn, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
This contract includes $70 million in guaranteed money, ensuring that Horn remains a key part of the Panthers’ defense for years to come. Shortly after the news broke, the Panthers officially announced the extension.
Horn, a former top-10 draft pick, entered the 2024 season with the goal of proving himself as one of the league’s elite cornerbacks. While he only recorded one interception, his overall performance was strong, tallying 13 pass break-ups and 2.0 sacks in 15 starts. His efforts earned him his first career Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the league.
Jaycee Horn (NFL)Horn Becomes NFL’s Top-Paid Cornerback, Setting a New Standard for Contracts
With an average annual salary of $25 million, Horn’s contract surpasses the previous highest-paid cornerbacks—Miami’s Jalen Ramsey ($24.1 million per year) and Denver’s Patrick Surtain II ($24 million per year). This deal cements his status as a premier defensive back and sets a new benchmark for future contracts at the position.
At 25 years old, Horn is now the highest-paid player on the Panthers’ roster, surpassing defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who earns $24 million annually. Over his 37 career starts, Horn has accumulated five interceptions, 26 passes defensed, two sacks, and eight tackles for loss, demonstrating his value as a cornerstone of Carolina’s defense.
