Panthers drop tag on Josh Norman, stunningly making him a free agent
In a stunning turn of events, the Carolina Panthers have rescinded the non-exclusive franchise tag on star cornerback Josh Norman on Wednesday, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The 28-year-old Norman was named to his first Pro Bowl last season, finishing with four interceptions. One of the best cover corners in the league, Norman now hits the open market with clubs in need of help in the secondary.
The #Panthers have rescinded the non-exclusive franchise tag on CB Josh Norman immediately making him an unrestricted free agent.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 20, 2016
“After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable,” Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said in a statement. “We have decided to rescind the franchise tag, freeing Josh to immediately become an unrestricted free agent. We thank Josh for all his contributions and truly wish him well.”
FS1 NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Norman’s agent had been looking for a deal in the range of at least $16 million a year. New York Jets' Darrelle Revis sets the standard for highest-paid cornerback in the league. He will earn a little more than $14 million in 2016.
Josh Norman, CB | Unrestricted Free Agent ?https://t.co/hQTNuuEcsm
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 20, 2016
Norman, who is seeking a long-term deal, hadn’t signed the $13.952 million franchise tag the club offered. The Panthers had until July 15 to strike a deal with the star corner, but it looks like Carolina decided to part ways now instead of having negotiations drag into training camp.
Norman became a household name when he and New York Giants star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. went toe to toe in Week 15 last season. Norman and Beckham came to blows on multiple downs, turning this highly anticipated matchup into an all-out brawl.
Norman spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Panthers after being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. He helped the Panthers to a 15-1 record in 2015 and that culminated in a run to the Super Bowl.
