CHARLOTTE — Change is inevitable in the NFL. Rosters evolve, contracts expire, and coaching staffs turn over. But when the Carolina Panthers’ 2021 draft class—led by cornerback Jaycee Horn—arrived in Charlotte nearly four years ago, they carried big aspirations for their collective future.
“Like Brady Christensen said, we thought this was going to be best friends forever, man,” tight end Tommy Tremble, a third-round pick in that class, said with a laugh.
The harsh realities of the NFL, however, eventually catch up. No matter how tightly knit a group may be, the league’s demands force players to face difficult transitions. Now, as the 2021 class nears the end of its rookie contracts, they find themselves at a pivotal juncture in their careers.
“It’s hard to keep staying in this business,” Tremble admitted. “It’s a tough business, but the guys who are still here, man, I know everyone’s got success waiting for them in the future.”
It was a reflective moment last week as the 2024 Carolina Panthers packed up their lockers and prepared for the offseason. For members of the 2021 draft class, this offseason carries an extra layer of uncertainty as they navigate the next steps in their NFL journeys.
The Panthers’ original 2021 draft class featured 11 players across seven rounds. By the end of this past season, only four remained on the roster: tight end Tommy Tremble and guard Brady Christensen (both third-round picks), running back Chuba Hubbard (fourth round), and cornerback Jaycee Horn (first round).
Among the four, Hubbard and Horn’s futures seem the most secure for now. Hubbard earned a four-year contract extension in early November after a breakout season, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his NFL career.
Horn’s situation is also stable—for the moment. The Panthers exercised his fifth-year option in April 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season. However, both sides are eager to negotiate a long-term extension this offseason to secure Horn’s role as the team’s cornerstone cornerback.
For his part, Horn is letting his agent handle the negotiations, trusting the process to work itself out.
“I’m just leaving that all up to my agent,” Horn said. “I feel like he’s the best in the world at what he does, so I let him handle it. That’s the smart guy stuff. I stay out of the way, try to play football, and handle my side of it.”
Horn certainly handled his side of things this season. Appearing in 15 games—the most of his career—he earned his first Pro Bowl nod. Horn tallied 68 tackles, 13 passes defended, and one interception while excelling in coverage. According to Next Gen Stats, he ranked in the top 15 in tight-window throws and allowed the seventh-lowest completion percentage (50.7%) when targeted. His standout performance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive backs.
“I think I mentioned this the last time we talked—Jaycee is obviously the centerpiece of our defense,” general manager Dan Morgan said last week. “He’s someone we want here for the long term, and we’re working on securing a long-term deal with him.”
While Horn’s future appears set, the other two remaining members of the 2021 draft class face a more uncertain offseason. Brady Christensen, the team’s versatile swing lineman, proved invaluable this year by demonstrating his ability to play—and start—at nearly every position along the offensive line. He stepped in at center after Austin Corbett’s injury, filled in at tackle and guard, and even took on the role of the sixth lineman in jumbo packages.
“I can hold my head high,” Christensen said last week, reflecting on his season. “I did a lot of different stuff—bouncing around positions, learning center, playing center, then moving to left tackle in the same game. I feel like I proved a lot and learned a lot about myself. I can hold my head high knowing I had a very good year.”
His versatility is a valuable asset, but it also creates a unique situation. With starters already under contract for four of the five offensive line positions, the Panthers will need to evaluate the market when it comes to Brady Christensen. The former third-round pick is eager to stay in Carolina but acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with life in the NFL.
“Yeah, I love it here. You know, it’s home,” Christensen said. “The Carolinas have treated me well. I love it here. It’s a great place to live. I love this organization—the way it’s going, with Dan [Morgan] and Dave [Canales] and everyone else, the coaches, the players—it’s just a great place to be.
“But at the same time, I’m going to do what’s best for myself and my family. That’s the number one priority, and I’m excited to see what opportunities are presented in the next couple of months.”
Meanwhile, tight end Tommy Tremble capped off his fourth season with career-best numbers, despite missing five games due to injury. He recorded 23 receptions on 32 targets for 234 yards and two touchdowns, converting 12 first downs along the way.
“I got here when I was young, trying to figure it out, but they’ve been patient with me and let me try to be the best I can be, week in and week out,” Tremble said.
As the season progressed and quarterback Bryce Young grew more comfortable in the offense, Tremble’s experience and understanding of opposing defenses made him a reliable target. He also delivered one of the season’s most memorable moments, cementing his impact on the Panthers’ offense.
“It was awesome. Going to sleep yesterday was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had as a Panther, especially at the end of the year,” tight end Tommy Tremble reflected last week with a smile.
Now, as he heads into the offseason, Tremble faces an uncertain future but hopes to build on the progress he made this year.
“I’d love to be here, man. I love my guys here. I love the staff here. I love playing for these guys, and I love playing for Carolina,” the Notre Dame product shared. “One of my favorite things is that they drafted me here when I was just a kid, 20 years old. Every year, they believed in me, let me grow, and gave me the chance to build myself back up. That’s been the most fun—really finding myself out here. It’s been a great journey, and I’d love to be back.”
Tremble mentioned having “a little chit-chat” with general manager Dan Morgan about his future, calling it “a good chit-chat,” but now he waits to see how things unfold.
That sense of uncertainty applies to most of the 2021 draft class, except for Chuba Hubbard, whose future is already secured. Still, Tremble takes pride in what he and his fellow draftees have contributed to the team and feels optimistic about what’s ahead.
“I’m excited for everyone here. Love those guys to death, and you know Chuba already got the ball rolling, and he got it started early,” Tremble said. “I’m excited for him and for all my guys. It’s going to be a fun offseason.”
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