NFL cornerback Josh Norman took a gamble, asking for much more money than the Carolina Panthers were willing to give him, and in the end, it cost him his job.
The organization rescinded his franchise tag for the upcoming season, and Norman was left to find a new team, eventually signing with the Washington NFL franchise, becoming the highest paid corner in the league in the process.
Last season, Norman made a name for himself by playing the best football of his career. Within the first half of the season, Norman was recognized as a very dangerous defender. Toward the end of the season, teams were refusing to even throw the ball in his vicinity.
He ended the season with four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. Norman became a shutdown cornerback, as he was able to hold top receivers such as Dez Bryant, Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins and Odell Beckham Jr. to very few receptions and minimal yardage. His accomplishments earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
This breakout season for Norman gave him a greater sense of pride, as he was referred to by many as the best corner in the NFL. Norman became a free agent after the Panthers’ season ended with a loss in Super Bowl 50 and wanted to be paid like he was the best. In early March, the Panthers put the franchise tag on Norman, guaranteeing that he would receive nearly $14 million in 2016 in the case that a long-term deal wasn’t reached.
As time passed and contract talks continued, it was reported by NBC Sports that the Panthers were willing to offer close to $11 million a year for four years and that Norman was looking for around $15 million to $16 million a year. To put that in perspective, Patrick Peterson, Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis — all widely regarded as top corners in league — each make around $14 million a year.
Since contract talks seemed to be at a standstill for a while, the Panthers made a bold move and rescinded the franchise tag from Norman. This was the first time a franchise tag had been rescinded from a player since 2009. It was reported that, in the end, Norman wanted to stay in Carolina and was willing to sign the franchise tag deal, but he and his agent, Michael George, were not on the same page. Norman later fired his agent and hired Ryan Williams.
Once David Gettleman, the Panthers’ general manager, made the decision final, Norman became a free agent. Instantly, it was reported that several teams were interested and were contacting him. The long list of teams that showed initial interest included the 49ers, Saints, Washington, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Jets, Bears and Titans. The two teams that emerged at the top were the Saints (an NFC South rival of the Panthers) and Washington.
In the end, Washington won Norman over with a five-year, $75 million deal, including $50 million guaranteed. It also makes Norman the highest paid cornerback in the NFL and puts him in the NFC East, meaning Norman will face Bryant and his nemesis Beckham twice a year.
It’s no secret that the first meeting between Norman and Beckham was entertaining as the two went back and forth all game. The fiasco included Beckham using the crown of his helmet to spear Norman in the jaw, and culminated in Beckham throwing a punch a Norman.
While Gettleman has received scrutiny for letting Norman go, he seems to not be too worried. The GM has always believed that a team isn’t just one player. This is the same man that released all-time Panther great Steve Smith Sr. in 2014.
The Panthers picked up three cornerbacks in the draft and seem to be ready to replace Norman. The NFL season kicks off Sept. 8,and all eyes will be watching to see if the Panthers’ defense continues to play at an elite level without Norman, and if Norman will be successful in Washington.
