Gamecocks Strike Big: South Carolina Alumni Secure an Impressive $178 Million on NFL Free Agency Day One

As the first day of NFL free agency wraps up, the Gamecocks are making major waves, securing a total of $178 million in contracts across three players—the most of any school on Day 1. One of those players has even become the highest-paid in his position in NFL history.

CB Jaycee Horn
Arguably one of the greatest to ever play for South Carolina, Jaycee Horn was a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft and has consistently ranked among the NFL’s top five cornerbacks when healthy. His outstanding performance this past season earned him a Pro Bowl selection, with impressive matchups against some of the league’s best receivers:

• Davante Adams: 15 receiving yards
• Ja’Marr Chase: 11 receiving yards
• A.J. Brown: 10 receiving yards
• Drake London: 3 receiving yards
• Courtland Sutton: 0 receiving yards

After such an elite season, Horn’s efforts have paid off in a major way—he’s now the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, securing a four-year, $100 million extension, which includes $70 million in guaranteed money, according to NFL sources.

DT Javon Kinlaw
Another Gamecock making big moves is Javon Kinlaw. Widely considered one of the most dominant defensive players to come out of South Carolina, Kinlaw was drafted 14th overall and has made a name for himself playing for both the 49ers and Jets. After a few strong seasons in the league, Kinlaw has signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Washington Commanders, which includes $30 million guaranteed. This deal places him with a playoff contender boasting a top-tier defense, making it a win-win for both sides.

LB Ernest Jones

Rounding out this impressive group is Ernest Jones, a true Gamecock through and through. He famously burned his redshirt year to help lead South Carolina to a win over Clemson, became a two-year standout for the Gamecocks, and was drafted after just three seasons. Jones went on to help the Los Angeles Rams win a Super Bowl, delivering a standout performance in the big game.

After a trade to Tennessee last season, Jones has now landed in Seattle, where he’s continued to excel as one of the NFL’s top linebackers. Recently, he received a three-year, $33 million extension, placing him among the top 10 highest-paid linebackers in the league, ranking somewhere between 8th and 9th.

With $178 million secured on just the first day of free agency, the Gamecocks are making a statement. And with more South Carolina players poised to cash in, this serves as a tremendous recruiting pitch for the program. What a start to the free agency period!