Friday brought a whole lot of news about a whole lot of money for the NFL.
Along with this season’s figures for the record-breaking salary cap and the franchise tags, we now know the value of every fifth-year option for 2025. For the Carolina Panthers and cornerback Jaycee Horn, the 2021 eighth overall pick would come with a $12,472,000 cap hit.
Horn, when on the field, has undoubtedly been one of the most effective players at his position. Unfortunately, that “when on the field” disclaimer is quite pertinent.
Due to a handful of unlucky breaks, most of them literal, Horn has played in just 22 of a possible 51 games for the Panthers over his three pro seasons. In that time, he’s recorded 85 combined tackles (three for a loss), 13 passes defensed and four interceptions.
So while there’s no doubting his status as a certifiable No. 1 lockdown corner, his health throughout the upcoming 2024 campaign may loom large for the organization.
The deadline to either exercise or decline Horn’s fifth-year option is May 2.
