Panthers superstar's mega-deal has already been outdone

Jaycee Horn is no longer the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) reacts in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Jaycee Horn signed the most expensive defensive back contract in NFL history on day one of free agency. The Carolina Panthers inked him to a four-year, $100 million extension. That $25 million salary was the most for any defensive back ever.

That's a pretty steep price to pay for someone who hasn't really been the best cornerback in the league and has missed a huge chunk of games already. However, part of the rationale behind making him a record-setting defensive back was that the deal would eventually be passed over. It already has.

On Monday, Derek Stingley Jr. erased Horn's name from the history books. Now, when looking at the richest DB contracts ever, the Houston Texans star's three-year, $90 million contract, at $30 million a year, is the highest.

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In terms of total value, Horn still beats Stingley, but Horn doesn't even have the most total money, either. Denzel Ward is currently on a five-year, $100.5 million contract. It's only slightly more, but it is more. So in both ways to look at it, Horn is no longer the highest.

Soon, Sauce Gardner will probably pass Horn as well. There's a slight chance Jaire Alexander's next contract rivals Horn's, too. As salary caps (and inflation) go up, these deals will continue to get more expensive. In a few seasons, Horn's may end up being somewhat of an afterthought.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Carolina Panthers go bold with top-10 pick in 7-round mock draft

NFL power rankings: Carolina Panthers move in wrong direction

ESPN makes the case for Panthers to draft top 2025 WR prospect

Jaycee Horn shrugs off awkward question about his new contract