Jalen Coker will remain as a key part of the Panthers offense for the foreseeable future. The organization signed the wide receiver to an extension, [according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport](https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2065208611307942274).
Coker’s new contract will be worth $35MM over three seasons, per Rapoport. The contract could reach $41MM via incentives. Coker was set to be an exclusive rights free agent following the 2026 season and a restricted free agent following the 2027 campaign.
Despite a prolific showing in the Patriot League, the Holy Cross product went undrafted in the 2024 draft. He quickly caught on with the Panthers as a UDFA but wasn’t part of the team’s initial 2024 53-man roster. He earned a promotion to the active roster in late September, and he’s played a significant role in Carolina’s offense ever since.
Coker emerged as one of Bryce Young’s preferred targets as a rookie, when he finished with 32 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns. The start of his sophomore season was delayed by a quad injury, but he returned in October and proceeded to haul in another 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns.
While his counting stats took a step back in 2025, Coker improved his success rate from 58.7 percent to 67.4 percent. Pro Football Focus was also fond of his performance, ranking him 32nd among 128 qualifying wideouts. The website also lauded the receiver for his pass-blocking ability.
_More to come…_