The Carolina Panthers took a calculated risk by exercising the cornerback’s fifth-year option, keeping their options open. In hindsight, the move proved to be invaluable.
Now, the team is shifting its focus toward securing Horn with a long-term extension.
That possibility seems realistic after the former first-round pick delivered a Pro Bowl-worthy 2024 season. However, one well-regarded insider has questioned how much Carolina is willing to invest, considering Horn’s full body of work.
Heading into the season, Horn had plenty to prove—though his talent was never in doubt. The main concern was his availability, as he had played in just 22 games over his first three seasons due to injuries.
A revamped offseason training program made a significant difference. Horn appeared in 15 games, solidifying himself as one of the league’s premier shutdown corners. He allowed just 53.2% of targets to be completed, earned an 80.9 run defense grade (ranking 13th out of 223 qualifying cornerbacks), and posted an 86.9 pass-rush grade, placing him eighth at his position, per Pro Football Focus.
His impressive performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod and put him in line for a lucrative payday. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has expressed a willingness to finalize a deal early, just as he did last spring when he extended Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown ahead of his fifth-year option.
ESPN Insider Questions Carolina’s Commitment to Extending Horn
ESPN’s Dan Graziano is among those wondering how far the Panthers are willing to go with Horn’s contract. While Pat Surtain II’s four-year, $96 million deal with the Denver Broncos serves as a benchmark, Graziano believes Horn’s injury history could impact negotiations.
“Horn is set to earn $12.472 million this season on his fifth-year option, and the Panthers have indicated interest in securing him long-term. Surtain’s contract is now the standard for elite corners, but how much will Carolina be willing to invest in Horn, given his previous injury struggles? He’s still only 25 and has been a key part of their defense when healthy. He also broke up 11 passes last season.”
— Dan Graziano, ESPN
The situation remains fluid, but both sides seem eager to reach an agreement. Horn wants to remain in Carolina and contribute to the team’s resurgence. With the Panthers lacking foundational defensive pieces, it would be surprising if they didn’t find common ground.
Still, contract negotiations take time. The Panthers have leverage but risk a potential holdout if discussions drag into the summer—something head coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero would prefer to avoid.
Morgan and salary cap specialist Brandt Tilis likely have a target figure in mind, and structuring a deal that benefits both parties will be key. If Carolina locks in Horn, it could impact their 2025 cap situation, but that concern is secondary to securing one of their top defenders.
With mutual interest in getting a deal done, fans will hope for a resolution sooner rather than later.