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Panthers make Josh Norman a free agent by rescinding franchise tag

Norman, who had his franchise tag rescinded by the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, is free to sign with any team at any time.

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“As we got deeper in conversations, we realized there was a significant difference between our thoughts and theirs”, Gettleman said.

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.

One of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, Norman held out for a long-term deal but never got it from the Panthers, who rescinded the franchise tag that would have paid him $13.9 million next season.

Last summer, Norman turned down a five-year, $37.5 million contract with $15.5 million guaranteed, according to the Observer.

Norman is expected to sign a deal that averages from $14 million to $15 million as a free agent, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Thursday.

With $16 million in cap space and still in need of cornerback help despite the signing of free agent corners Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson, the Bucs could easily become players in the Norman sweepstakes.

Norman has spent his entire four-year career with the Panthers after being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 National Football League draft out of Coastal Carolina. The team could look to the draft a cornerback.

The Redskins came into the day with just less than $12 million in salary cap space, so a deal for the All-Pro was within their budget.

Now, the San Francisco 49ers have been pegged as possible suitors for the 28-year-old.

“I will say that all communications with Josh and his agent were professional and respectful in tone”, Gettleman said.

On the other hand, the Dolphins want Norman to play alongside Byron Maxwell and form a good partnership.

According to a report by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Josh Norman has hired new representation.

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Caldwell said the Jaguars haven’t submitted an official offer to Norman.

Josh Norman