Panthers GM Reveals First Offseason Priority

The Carolina Panthers ended the 2024 NFL season on a high note by defeating the Falcons and improving to 5-12. Even though the streak of losing seasons and playoff drought extended to seven seasons, the Panthers' future is looking brighter than it did a year ago. GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales earned themselves at least one more year to turn this franchise around.

Morgan immediately got to work with the conclusion of the season. Per ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers general manager revealed his first course of action: signing talented cornerback Jaycee Horn to a contract extension.

Panthers News: Carolina Trying to Extend CB Jaycee Horn's Contract

Horn finally showed glimpses of what made him a star in South Carolina and got him selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. After only appearing in 22 games in his first three seasons with the Panthers, Horn was finally able to stay healthy and he put together his most productive season with eight pass breakups, two sacks, one interception, and 68 tackles while only allowing a 53.2% completion rate when targeted.

Unfortunately, however, Horn wasn't able to make enough of an impact to save Carolina from being the worst defensive team in the NFL. At the same time, the Panthers' desire to retain one of their most talented defenders makes plenty of sense.

The current front office has shown a willingness to pay their players who are performing well. What it will take to retain Horn remains to be seen. Spotrac projects Horn's next contract to be in the $19.7 million annual salary range, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.

Even though Horn had his best season as a pro, he still graded as the 57th-best cornerback in the NFL per Pro Football Focus. Paying him a top-of-the-market rate certainly carries some risks.

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