When Josh Norman suddenly became a free agent on Wednesday, after the Carolina Panthers rescinded his franchise tag, it gave some team a rare opportunity to add a blue-chip player in late April, before the draft.
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“After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable”, general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement.
With his contract coming up after his breakout season, Norman was in ideal position to receive a massive contract, but not wanting to lose their star defender, the Panthers quickly placed the franchise tag on him. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Norman’s deal is a 5-year, $75 million contract making him the highest paid cornerback in the NFL.
Norman’s deal, when complete, is expected to be worth between $14 million and $15 million per year, sources have told Schefter.
Norman, 28, should be well-known to Bucs fans – he intercepted Jameis Winston twice in their first meeting in Week 4 last season, returning one pick for a touchdown in a 37-23 Panthers win.
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Norman was contacted by roughly 10 teams within hours of the Panthers cutting him free, but Washington wouldn’t let him leave the building without a contract.
It’s rare for such an elite free agent to hit the market six weeks after free agency started.
If the Redskins succeed, they get one of the best cornerbacks in the league and the move will be a major defensive improvement for them. The Jaguars have shown interest to the 2015 Pro Bowl cornerback even before he was tagged by the Panthers. Moreover, Revis has a $48 million guaranteed money.
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“We want people who are all in”, he said. Ultimately, the Redskins were granted the meeting, one that sent Norman to Washington, D.C., today.
