Recurring injuries have unfortunately prevented Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn from consistently reaching his full potential. Now entering the final season of his original four-year rookie agreement, the onus is on Horn to stay healthy and secure his long-term future. The Panthers have extended Horn a long leash, but time and patience are running out.
The No. 8 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Horn's rookie campaign was cut short to three games after he suffered a season-ending foot injury. Horn had already recorded his first career interception and was playing like a difference-making cornerback.
Horn returned for his sophomore season, which proved to be his most complete body of work. The former South Carolina standout appeared in 13 games, totaling career-highs in tackles (53), passes defensed (7), and interceptions (3). Horn earned a positive coverage grade of 73.2 from Pro Football Focus before a late December wrist injury ended his season a handful of games early.
Horn couldn't keep that momentum going throughout 2023. The Alpharetta, Georgia native suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 that kept him on IR until December and forced him to miss 10 consecutive contests before returning to the lineup. After Horn's third campaign, he'd appeared in just 22 total games.
Jaycee Horn on staying healthy: #Panthers
— Jeremy Grandison (@JeremyGrandiso1) May 20, 2024
“I still feel like I’m one of the best DB’s in this league, I just have to be out there to show it.” pic.twitter.com/1Eqta8C0mt
Despite Horn dealing with constant issues, the Panthers made the somewhat surprising decision to execute his fifth-year option for the 2025 season. That means 2024 isn't truly a make-or-break campaign for Horn’s roster spot. No matter what happens, the Panthers will owe him a fully guaranteed sum of $12.4 million in 2025. But if the 24-year-old cornerback hopes to avoid playing out 2025 without a long-term deal, he must prove capable of staying healthy and productive this season.
Miraculously, dealing with recurring injuries hasn't hampered Horn's on-field performance. 2023 was arguably his best overall showing—albeit in a small sample size—as he earned a career-high coverage grade of 83.0 from PFF. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of just 88.2 when targeting him.
It was new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan who decided to trigger Horn's fifth-year option. Morgan had been the assistant general manager since May of 2021, meaning he was onboarded just weeks after Carolina selected Horn with a top-10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Morgan's had a front-row seat to his struggles and brief triumphs.
Carolina's coaching staff features both fresh faces and continuity. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales is the new head coach. Canales ultimately decided to retain Ejiro Evero as the defensive coordinator after he thrived in the role in 2023. Horn's familiarity with Evero will hopefully lead to a sense of comfort this offseason.
The Panthers have extended Horn a longer leash than other franchises would. The fact that they triggered his fifth-year option speaks volumes of his talent. If the 2021 first-rounder plays a healthy 2024 season, he'll be well-positioned to earn a lucrative extension from Morgan next offseason. Horn controls his destiny.
