North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers have taken a significant step in bolstering their defense by securing cornerback Jaycee Horn with a four-year contract extension. This agreement, reached on Monday, ensures Horn will remain with the team through the 2029 season.

Horn, who was initially set to play another year under his rookie contract after the Panthers exercised his fifth-year option last spring, is now committed to the team for the long term. The move aligns him with defensive tackle Derrick Brown, another first-round pick from 2020.

Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan had emphasized extending Horn's contract as a priority since the end of last season. At the NFL Combine, Morgan expressed his desire for an early resolution to the deal: "I think I said that to you guys the last time I talked to you guys, that Jaycee is obviously the focal point of the defense, somebody that we're going to want here long-term, and we're going to work on getting him a long-term deal," he stated in January.

Horn earned his first Pro Bowl selection this season after participating in over 1,000 snaps across 15 games. His peers and coaches recognized his performance despite not being among the top choices in fan voting.

Reflecting on his Pro Bowl recognition, Horn commented: "A lot more work to be put in. I could be a way better player. I got a lot of room left to go, so just trying to do that every day and then hopefully next year coming back and, you know, making it again."

He added: "I'm really just learning football... We learn in the classroom, but we actually get the snaps and get the reps; the game slows down a lot... I'm just excited to get back next year and try to stack them up."

With this extension secured, Horn is set to continue contributing significantly to the Panthers' defense for years ahead.