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While expectations are high for Tetairoa McMillan to have an even bigger year in the 2026-27 season, it appears the Carolina Panthers are ensuring the entire wide receiver room remains intact. On Thursday, reports indicate the club is extending one of Bryce Young’s promising young weapons.
Jalen Coker, who is 24 years old, is signing a new contract extension with the Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Carolina is extending Coker to a three-year, $35 million deal that comes with incentives that can reach up to $41 million.
“The Panthers and WR Jalen Coker agreed to terms on a 3-year extension worth $35M with incentives up to $41M, per agent Matt Glose,” reported Rapoport. This deal comes now for Coker, who was set to be an exclusive rights free agent this year and an RFA next year. He’s set to be free again at 27.”
Coker’s new deal suggests the Panthers believe he can be a key option in the passing game for quarterback Bryce Young. While his career numbers are not all that impressive, the second-year pro has at least flashed some potential in the early stages of his NFL career.
The former UDFA emerged as one of Young’s favorite targets in the 2024-25 campaign. While that may be true, Coker took a bit of a step back in production in the second year of his career. Through 22 total games played in his career so far (seven starts), Coker has recorded 65 receptions, 872 yards, and five touchdowns.
We’ll see how Jalen Coker performs next season. He is likely the third or fourth option in the pecking order of the passing game. Tetairoa McMillan is the obvious No. 1, with wide receiver Xavier Legette and tight end Tommy Tremble competing for the No. 2 and 3 options.
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