June 30, 2026, 2:01 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Carolina Panthers<\/a> wide receiver Jalen Coker won’t be flying under the radar much longer. An undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross, Coker has put together some very impressive stretches over his first two years in the NFL.<\/p>\n Despite missing five games each season due to quad injuries, Coker produced enough for the Panthers to give him a new three-year, $34 million contract<\/a>. They would not have done so unless they were planning on Coker being a major part of their offense going forward.<\/p>\n Heading into his third season as a pro, Coker has been named one of the NFL’s five most underrated players<\/a> by Alex Kay at Bleacher Report. Kay writes:<\/p>\n Despite having to contend with Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Tetairoa McMillan for targets, Coker still jumped up in Carolina’s pecking order\u2014finishing second on the team in both receiving yardage and receiving touchdowns\u2014while contributing a slew of key blocks for his teammates. Coker may not be the fastest, strongest, tallest or most athletic receiver out there, but he’s honed his craft to the point he can be a dependable weapon for a playoff contender.<\/p>\n If he can stay healthy for a full campaign, Coker should see his target share rise significantly. Last year, he only ranked fourth on the team in targets (43) behind fellow wideouts Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette and running back Rico Dowdle.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n In addition to the extension, Coker has earned himself a bigger role\u2014and he should have no real competition for the No. 2 spot. There certainly aren’t any pass-catching running backs or tight ends on the roster who deserve to be second behind McMillan in the passing attack.<\/p>\n Coker proved he can be a featured player in January’s wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. He recorded nine catches over 12 targets, registering a game-high 134 receiving yards and a touchdown in the near-upset<\/a>.<\/p>\n Two soft-tissue injuries in as many years is a bit of a concern, though. The Panthers are going to need Coker to stay healthy if they’re going to repeat as NFC South champions while facing a far more difficult schedule than they did in 2025.<\/p>\n