CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jalen Coker will be a Carolina Panther for the foreseeable future.

The third-year wide receiver and the Panthers agreed to a three-year, $35 million contract extension Thursday, according to Coker’s agent, Matt Glose.

The deal comes with a $7 million signing bonus and $19.5 million in guaranteed money, Glose told The Charlotte Observer. Coker can make up to $41 million in total incentives across four years, as the extension adds to the qualifying offer Coker signed as an exclusive rights free agent earlier this offseason.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport initially reported the length and total value of the pact.

“We want guys to be here long term that embody what we’re looking for in terms of play style, character on and off the field,” head coach Dave Canales said Thursday while answering a question about his role in contract extension talks. “

Guys that are great teammates, guys that take personal accountability and responsibility for their job and are always prepared and show up with that type of work mentality and mindset, and the way that they practice, how hard they practice, guys that find their way to be available because they take care of themselves.

“So, we factor all those things in, but like for the long-term commitment, it’s got to be guys that we believe embody what we’re trying to build here and what we’re trying to maintain and establish as a cultural identity, and so, all of those factors go into it,” Canales added.

“My contribution, obviously, is for guys, how they fit into specific schemes, and how we’ve adjusted our schemes because they bring something special or not, from a football production standpoint,” he said. “And then, of course, it’s all of us putting our heads together in terms of at some point it gets harder and harder, you can’t pay everybody, and we’re going to have to have some really challenging conversations and challenging decisions to be made.”

Coker’s $8.75 million annual base average puts him in similar territory to former top-10 picks with notable base salaries.

Jordan Tyson, who was selected eighth overall by the New Orleans Saints this year, averages $8.12 million per year, according to Over The Cap. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison, taken fourth overall in 2024, makes $8.84 million on average per season.

More on Coker and the Panthers

Coker, a 2024 undrafted free agent, has played in just 22 games over his first two seasons. He’s produced 65 catches for 872 yards and five touchdowns over that span.

During the Panthers’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January, Coker led the offense with nine catches for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Coker was set to make $1.08 million in 2026, but with the agreement, he will get $7 million payout to begin his summer.

The deal will also save the Panthers from placing a restricted tender on Coker in 2027. He won’t hit unrestricted free agency until after his sixth season with the squad.

If all goes well, the team and Coker could revisit the contract in a couple of seasons, as his guaranteed money would largely be stacked in the first two years of his agreement.

The Holy Cross alum is coming off a strong spring in the team’s offseason program, as he was the focal point of the passing offense with Tetairoa McMillan (foot) sidelined for a good portion of the workouts.

Coker will team with McMillan as the top duo at the wideout position.

Former first-round pick Xavier Legette, who arrived the same year as Coker, will compete with third-round pick Chris Brazzell for the third starting spot in three-receiver sets. Behind the quartet playmakers are Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn Jr., David Moore, Dan Chisena, John Metchie, Kobe Prentice and Malick Meiga.

That group will battle for reps in training camp and a prolonged preseason, which features the Pro Football Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6.

Other Carolina Panthers’ contract extensions

Coker’s contract extension is the latest handed out by general manager Dan Morgan during his three-year tenure. Morgan previously rewarded homegrown talent like defensive end Derrick Brown, running back Chuba Hubbard, cornerback Jaycee Horn and right tackle Taylor Moton before the completions of their respective contracts.

Morgan also has re-signed several players this offseason, including Tremayne, Moore, punter Sam Martin, outside linebackers Thomas Incoom and Trevis Gipson, inside linebacker Claudin Cherelus and special teams ace Akayleb Evans.

Executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis has negotiated the bulk of the contract extensions during Morgan’s tenure.

Morgan and Tilis have other potential extensions to sort out over the next few months, as cornerback Mike Jackson and quarterback Bryce Young are among potential candidates for next deals. Jackson is entering the final year of his two-year pact — signed in 2025 — and Young had his fifth-year option picked up in April.

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