Jaycee Horn became NFL’s highest-paid defensive back through four-year $100 million extension ($25M AAV, $70M guaranteed) signed March 2025 anchoring Carolina’s youth-driven rebuild.
The 2021 #8 overall pick’s record contract surpasses Jaire Alexander ($21M AAV) establishing new market ceiling for cornerback position.
Carolina maintains $17 million projected cap flexibility after Taylor Moton’s two-year $44 million extension ($19.4M AAV through 2027) locked right tackle stability.
Bryce Young’s four-year $37.96 million rookie deal ($10.35M 2025 cap hit) provides cost-controlled quarterback timeline despite September 2024 benching and December reinstatement creating franchise uncertainty.
Carolina Panther player biography and net worth information available for the complete roster.
Panthers’ Premium Contracts: Youth Over Veterans
Taylor Moton leads 2025 cap charges at $31.34 million representing final year of previous extension before two-year add-on kicks in 2026. Robert Hunt ($21.65M) and Derrick Brown ($18.74M) complete top-three with Horn’s extension averaging $12.47M annually through back-loaded structure.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Total Contract | Guaranteed $ | Years Remaining |
| Taylor Moton | RT | $31.34M | $44M extension | $40M | 3 (through 2027) |
| Robert Hunt | OL | $21.65M | $100M | $63M | 5 |
| Derrick Brown | DT | $18.74M | $96M | $70M | 4 |
| Damien Lewis | OG | $14.57M | $53M | $27M | 4 |
| Jadeveon Clowney | EDGE | $13.77M | – | – | 1 |
| Jaycee Horn | CB | $12.47M | $100M extension | $70M | 5 (through 2029) |
| Bryce Young | QB | $10.35M | $37.96M rookie | $37.96M | 3 |
| A’Shawn Robinson | DT | $9.61M | $22.5M | $10M | 2 |
| Shy Tuttle | DT | $9.38M | – | – | 1 |
| Ikem Ekwonu | LT | $8.77M | $26.1M rookie | $26.1M | 2 (5th-year pending) |
Moton’s $31.34 million represents massive cap acceleration before restructure or extension spreads payments. His August 2025 two-year $44M add-on ($40M guaranteed) averages $19.4M APY ranking sixth among right tackles yet maintains cap efficiency versus market-setting deals for Tristan Wirfs ($23M) and Penei Sewell ($28M).
Horn’s $25 million AAV eclipses Jaire Alexander’s $21M (Packers) and Denzel Ward’s $20.1M (Browns) establishing new cornerback benchmark. His $70M guaranteed represents 70% of total value demonstrating Carolina’s commitment to defensive foundation despite 2-15 2024 record.
Bryce Young Saga: $38M Investment Under Scrutiny
Young’s September 2024 benching for Andy Dalton created franchise crisis with #1 overall pick relegated to backup after 0-2 start and 73-13 combined deficit. His December reinstatement following improved practice performance provides second chance at $10.35 million annual rookie salary.
Benching Timeline: Week 3 2024 replacement by Dalton after 2-16 career start (worst by #1 QB since common draft era). Week 16 reinstatement following Dalton injuries and defensive improvements.
Contract Protection: Four-year $37.96M fully guaranteed prevents cut scenarios creating unavoidable $10.35M annual charges through 2026. Fifth-year option ($23M estimated 2027) remains decision point for Panthers’ front office evaluating franchise QB viability.
Young’s 5-foot-10, 204-pound frame and $24.6M signing bonus created immediate pressure justifying four-pick trade package (2023 first, 2024 first and second, 2025 second, DJ Moore) surrendered to Chicago for #1 selection rights.
Cap Situation: Modest Space Despite Youth Movement
Panthers project $17.05 million available cap ranking 23rd NFL-wide with 54 players under contract. Dead money remains manageable at $6.8M (2.4% of cap) providing flexibility for restructures unlike teams carrying $30M+ dead charges.
2026 Outlook: Projected $150.21 million cap space (fifth-most NFL) as veteran contracts expire and rookie deals maintain efficiency. Moton, Hunt, Brown extensions pushed guaranteed money to future years creating current breathing room.
Restructure Candidates: Moton ($31.34M), Hunt ($21.65M), Brown ($18.74M) can convert salary to bonus freeing $18-25M immediate cap space while adding 2026-2028 charges.
Draft Class Impact: Nine-player 2025 draft class projects $10-12M total cap allocation leaving $27M for free agency targeting offensive weapons supporting Young’s development.
Carolina’s $219.78 million committed (Top 51) against $279.2M ceiling creates flexibility absent during previous regimes. Smart veteran contracts with back-loaded structures (Horn, Moton, Hunt) prevent current cap crises while betting on 2026-2027 competitive windows.
FAQs
Who is Carolina’s highest-paid player?
Taylor Moton carries $31.34 million 2025 cap hit (final year original deal) before two-year $44M extension ($40M guaranteed) kicks in reducing charges to $19.4M AAV 2026-2027. His total commitment through 2027 averages $22M annually ranking sixth among right tackles.
What is Jaycee Horn’s contract worth?
Horn signed four-year $100M extension ($108M max with incentives) featuring $70M guaranteed making him NFL’s highest-paid defensive back at $25M AAV. His deal surpasses Jaire Alexander ($21M), Denzel Ward ($20.1M) establishing new cornerback market ceiling through 2029.
How much cap space do Panthers have?
Carolina projects $17.05 million available with minimal $6.8M dead money (2.4% of cap). Restructure options for Moton ($31.34M), Hunt ($21.65M), Brown ($18.74M) can free $18-25M immediate space while 2026 outlook shows $150.21M available (fifth-most NFL).
Is Bryce Young still Panthers’ starting quarterback?
Young reinstated December 2024 after September benching for Andy Dalton. His four-year $37.96M fully guaranteed rookie deal ($10.35M annual cap) prevents cut scenarios through 2026 with fifth-year option ($23M estimated) representing 2027 decision point.
Which Panthers have highest net worth?
Veteran data limited but Jaycee Horn’s $70M guaranteed through age 29 projects $30-45M career net worth. Bryce Young’s $24.6M signing bonus creates $15-20M current wealth. Taylor Moton’s 8-year tenure ($85M+ career earnings) establishes $20-30M estimated net worth.
