Jaycee Horn understands the rapid pace of change in the NFL.
After all, he’s seen two coaches come and go at Carolina in the last year and a half. He understands that now is the moment to deliver if he wants to make a long-term home in Charlotte, but he also appreciates that the Panthers have not let his lack of availability drive them away from him.
“It felt good, just knowing they believe in me, seeing the work I put in,” Horn said of Carolina’s decision to pick up his fifth-year option despite having only played in double-digit games once in three seasons. “Now it’s just staying on the field, controlling what I can control and playing good football.”
Horn has only 22 games in his career, spread across three seasons. His season high for appearances is 13, which he achieved in 2022. It’s no surprise that he had his greatest statistical year, with 13 games, 53 tackles, three interceptions, and seven passes defensed.
Those figures indicate that Horn may still live up to his status as a former first-round choice. But there’s no assurance he will until he shows he can get through a season relatively uninjured.
Carolina could be prudent to learn from the past and strengthen the secondary in case Horn is unable to go. Stephon Gilmore, a former South Carolina Gamecock and Panther, could be a potential candidate.
Despite being aware of the pressure that will come with 2024 (and 2025), Horn is open to the notion.
“Yeah, we have plenty of room,” Horn replied. “That is on them above. “We’ll see what they do.”
Meanwhile, Horn can only focus on his own goals, the most important of which is to stay healthy. And just because he’s been gone doesn’t mean he hasn’t worked.
If he could just avoid the injury bug, Horn believes he could fulfill his potential.
“I watch tape, I know what I’m capable of and I still feel like I’m one of the best DBs in this league,” he stated. “I simply need to get out there and demonstrate it. That is what I am looking forward to accomplishing.
He’ll have two seasons to accomplish so, the most important of which begins in September.
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