Carolina Panthers Make Jaycee Horn the NFL’s Highest-Paid DB.
Carolina Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn is following in the footsteps of his dad, former wide receiver Joe Horn. You can picture them having some fun in the backyard, with young Jaycee trying to prevent his dad from scoring a touchdown during family football games.
Joe Horn had quite the NFL journey, making a name for himself with the New Orleans Saints and even earning a spot in their Hall of Fame. He’s also known for one of the most iconic touchdown celebrations in the league. Now, he’s experiencing a proud dad moment as his son just landed the biggest contract ever for a defensive back in NFL history.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jaycee Horn and the Panthers have struck a deal for a four-year contract extension worth at least $100 million. This contract could total up to $108 million, with $70 million guaranteed. The average of $25 million per year sets a new record for defensive backs.
Drafted as the No. 8 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Horn just wrapped up the best season of his career, racking up 68 tackles and two sacks in 15 games, along with one interception and 13 passes defended. His performance earned him a spot in his first Pro Bowl. Before last season, he had only played in 29 out of 51 games due to injuries.
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While Horn shone individually, the Panthers' defense struggled overall. The team set an NFL record by allowing 534 points and had the worst point differential in the league, giving up 193 more points than they scored.
Two seasons ago, the Panthers had the worst record in the NFL, winning just two games. Last year wasn’t much better, as they started 1-7 before finishing with a 5-12 record. They’ve now had seven consecutive losing seasons and have never had back-to-back seasons with a winning record in their history.
Despite these challenges, Carolina recognizes the importance of keeping its young stars, and this move sets a new standard for defensive backs. While signing Horn won’t instantly change the franchise’s fortunes, having a solid defensive anchor will definitely help them moving forward.
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Jaycee Horn’s new record-breaking contract with the Carolina Panthers is a testament to his incredible potential and growth as a player. With his impressive performance last season and bright future ahead, Horn is poised to become a cornerstone of the Panthers’ defense. This contract solidifies his position as one of the league’s top defensive backs and serves as a long-term investment for the franchise.
As the Panthers continue to build for the future, having a young talent like Horn on the team is a step in the right direction, providing hope for a stronger defense moving forward.
