Jalen Coker leaves no doubt about the secondary reason behind why he signed the extension with the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers did right by extending wide receiver Jalen Coker on a deal that properly reflects his true value to the team and it wasn’t just the money that made him want to stay with the team long-term.
The Carolina Panthers did the right thing late last week when the team agreed to a three-year deal worth $35 million with wide receiver Jalen Coker, a deal that properly reflects his true value to this offense and this organization.
It only took two seasons for Coker, the former undrafted free agent, to prove he deserved this kind of contract and the Panthers have big plans for him being a featured pass catcher this upcoming season and for years to come.
Prior to signing the extension, Coker signed a one-year exclusive rights free agent tender he signed earlier this offseason worth $1,075,000. So, the huge raise made this a no-brainer decision for Coker to stay with the team that took a chance on him. However, there was also a secondary reason that Coker revealed on Monday.
Carolina Panthers Jalen Coker explains how Bryce Young factored into his new long-term deal
Coker joined The Insiders on NFL Network on Monday to discuss his new contract and the optimism surrounding the direction the Panthers are trending. During the interview, Coker’s comments on quarterback Bryce Young were telling as to why he wanted to stay.
“I think it really goes back to him as a person, his leadership, the way that he commands the room. You want to play for a guy like that,” Coker explained. “Especially when he’s out there having a good time, the whole team feeds off of that energy. He’s really really good at football. He makes the hard stuff look so easy. I’m just truly blessed to be out there with him and just continue to win games.”
The connection between Coker and Young has started to catch a real groove going into Year 3 playing together, as evident by the last game the two played together in the playoffs when Coker totaled 134 yards and a touchdown.
Coker is becoming a dependable target for Young and it’s clear Coker sees greatness in Young’s game despite how everyone feels about his quarterback on the outside. It’s a similar feeling other teammates have for their quarterback, who is on pace to hopefully prove a lot more people wrong this season.
Young’s presence played a part – even if it’s a small part – in Coker wanting to stick with the Panthers long-term. Now, the next step is for the Panthers to follow a similar path and extend Young to the same timeline.