Josh Norman Has Franchise Tag Rescinded, Becomes Free Agent
In a week that has rocked the NFL, the Carolina Panthers have made a move no one saw coming. They have officially rescinded the franchise tag placed on top cornerback Josh Norman, making him a free agent.
The #Panthers have rescinded the franchise tag offer on CB Josh Norman. He's a free agent. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2016
Rapoport also said the talks between the Panthers and Norman’ agent were going nowhere. While it is not known if Norman would have held out, most players in that situation usually do.
The franchise tag price for a cornerback is $13.952 million. Norman was certainly looking for north of that, as Richard Sherman makes $14 million in Seattle.
He started all 16 games for the first time in his career.The former fifth round pick out of Coastal Carolina burst onto the scene in 2015. He had four interceptions and was named to his first career Pro Bowl. He also forced three fumbles and deflected 18 passes thrown his way.
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Teams that could be interested in the services of Josh Norman could be a team such as the Philadelphia Eagles, who moved up to the second overall pick today in order to draft their future franchise quarterback. Their current starters project to be 2015 2nd round pick Eric Rowe and free agent Leodis McKelvin.
Also, imagine Norman going up against Odell Beckham Jr twice a year.
Adam Schefter alluded that San Francisco could be a landing spot, as Norman likes playing in the area and the 49ers have a lot of cap.
Norman would certainly bolster any defense that is looking for help in the secondary. While he was somewhat of a late bloomer, the talent he showed last year will have teams pushing each other out of the way to call him first.
In his four year NFL career, Norman has played in 53 games, starting in only 72% of them. He played on an NFC Championship team that dominated across the board on defense.
The 28-year old could now certainly almost have his pick of a new team, as he instantly becomes the hottest name on the NFL free agent market.