June 23, 2026, 6:06 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
Even after just signing<\/a> a three-year, $34 million contract extension, Carolina Panthers<\/a> receiver Jalen Coker seems to be a tad overlooked.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old pass catcher has been named amongst the most underrated wideouts in the league by Bleacher Report<\/a>. Coker ranks at No. 5 on the list, per Kristopher Knox:<\/p>\n During his two seasons with Carolina, Coker has provided a passer rating of\u00a0113.1\u00a0when targeted. Coker’s combination of ability and reliability is why the Panthers were\u00a0quick to sign him\u00a0to a three-year extension as soon as he was eligible this offseason\u2014as an undrafted player, he became extension-eligible after two seasons instead of three. While Coker may never be a No. 1 receiver for the Panthers, he’s set to be a very productive player for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n Coker’s traditional receiving numbers may not jump out at you right away, but the context shows that he has a ceiling fan higher than what those stats suggest.<\/p>\n For one, Coker has missed 10 games total over the last two seasons due to quad injuries\u2014keeping a low lid on his receiving ceiling. HE also didn’t see the field much at all during the first month of his rookie campaign, when the Panthers brass seemingly didn’t know what they had.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n A fully healthy Coker should be able to produce strong WR2 numbers, which is pretty much exactly what the Panthers are paying him for. His new annual salary ranks him 39th in the league at his position, putting him on the higher end among No. 2 options.<\/p>\n While Coker appears to have that role locked down, he may still have to fend off a couple other young receivers to hold onto it. Rookie Chris Brazzell II has impressed observers<\/a> this offseason and 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette is getting some buzz<\/a> for a leaner build and a better focus.<\/p>\n That being said, Coker has a rhythm established with quarterback Bryce Young\u2014who connected with him nine times in the team’s playoff appearance in January. Now, it’s all about taking advantage of more opportunities in his third NFL season.<\/p>\n