Panthers GM explains puzzling decision to part ways with Josh Norman
The Carolina Panthers stunned the football world on Wednesday when they rescinded their franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Norman, a first-team All-Pro this past season, was a standout performer on the Panthers' defense during their run to a 15-1 regular-season record and an NFC championship. He had four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and three forced fumbles during the regular season.
So, why cut ties with a shutdown corner and get basically nothing in return? Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman addressed that question Thursday. Gettleman said he wasn't comfortable with the one-year, $13.592 million deal that came with the franchise tag and that the sides were far apart in terms of a long-term deal.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera says he is on board with the decision.
"It's a decision we made going forward," Rivera said, according to NFL.com. "I look at it this way, too, we've done some good things the last three years and some of the things that we've done have been very hard. I think Dave has had to make a couple tough decisions that have proven to be the best as we've gone forward. Quite honestly, I'm going to trust him on this one, too."
The suitors already are lining up, with the 49ers, Rams, Steelers and Jaguars among those reportedly interested in Norman. Is there a chance he could return to the Panthers -- as defensive end Charles Johnson did after his release earlier this offseason?
With the NFL Draft only a week away, the market for Norman should develop quickly.
#Panthers GM Dave Gettleman says "with the realization a deal was not going to get done" … "the one-year deal was less and less attractive."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2016
