Jaycee Horn is a rising star cornerback in the NFL. Known for his physicality, athleticism, and playmaking ability, he has quickly become one of the cornerstones of the Carolina Panthers’ defense.
Early Life and Background
-
Born on November 26, 1999, in Alpharetta, Georgia.
-
Played college football at South Carolina (2018–2020) before entering the NFL.
-
Father: His father is Joe Horn, a former NFL wide receiver who starred for teams like the New Orleans Saints.
-
Brother: There is no widely reported evidence of Jaycee Horn having a brother who is prominent in professional football or major public life.
Contract
-
On March 10, 2025, Jaycee Horn signed a 4-year extension with the Carolina Panthers worth $100 million.
-
The deal includes $70 million guaranteed, and with incentives, the contract can go up to $108 million.
-
This extension makes him one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the league, with an average annual value (AAV) of $25 million per year.
-
According to Over The Cap, the fully guaranteed money at signing was about $46.7 million, and he received a $28.4 million signing bonus.
-
The contract ties him to the Panthers through the 2029 season, assuming he stays on roster.
Jersey Number
-
Jaycee Horn wears number 8 for the Carolina Panthers.
Career Statistics
Here’s a snapshot of Horn’s NFL performance so far:
-
According to NFL.com, up to now he has played 48 career games, recorded 164 total tackles, 8 interceptions, and 2 sacks.
-
From CBS Sports: through his career, he has 30 passes defended (PD).
-
His 2025 season (so far): as per ESPN, he has at least 3 interceptions in that season.
PFF (Pro Football Focus) Grades
-
According to PFF, Horn’s 2024 overall grade was 65.4, ranking him 82nd among 222 qualifying cornerbacks.
-
His pass-rush grade in 2024 was 86.9, placing him among the top CBs in that metric.
-
In coverage, his PFF grade was 59.1, which shows there is room for growth but also reflects his strong contribution in other phases like run defense and pass rushing.
Trade Status
-
There is currently no public record of a trade involving Jaycee Horn. He has spent his entire NFL career (so far) with the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him 8th overall in 2021.
-
The 2025 extension further cements his commitment to the Panthers, making a trade unlikely in the near term.
Legacy & Impact
-
Horn’s contract extension not only rewards his breakout potential but also signals that the Panthers view him as a long-term building block in their secondary.
-
Despite a history of injuries earlier in his career, his 2024 season was a breakout: 68 tackles, 13 pass breakups, 2 sacks, and a Pro Bowl selection.
-
Being the son of Joe Horn gives him a legacy connection to the NFL, and his performance suggests he’s well on his way to making his own mark on the league.
Conclusion
Jaycee Horn is not just a promising talent — with his recent contract, he’s a cornerstone for the Panthers’ future. His mix of physicality, coverage skills, and pass-rush ability makes him a threat in multiple phases. While injuries have been a concern in the past, his 2024 breakout and significant contract extension prove that Carolina believes in his long-term value. With his PFF grades showing strengths particularly in pass rush and run defense, Horn’s trajectory is upward, and he’s becoming one of the most valuable defensive backs in the NFL.
Leave a Reply