Fansided

10 best 2016 NFL free agents

By Rucker Haringey

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) late in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saints 27-22 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) late in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saints 27-22 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Josh Norman-Carolina Panthers

No man on this list has made themselves more money than Josh Norman this season. He’s gone from a decent starter to an absolute star for the Panthers as they chase an undefeated season. Carolina will face a tremendous fight to hang on to their shutdown corner this off-season.

Norman is at the top of his game and he can compete with any receiver in the NFL one-on-one. The presence of a corner who can play man-to-man against anyone really boosts any NFL defense. It significantly enhances the blitz packages you can call at any time and allows you to take the other team’s franchise receiver out of the game. There’s not a defensive coach in the league who wouldn’t want a player like Norman to plug into their defense.

The questions on Norman aren’t about his physical abilities, but rather his mental side of the game. He’s got a reputation as a player who walks the fine line between confidence and arrogance and he can lose it out there on the field. If you want proof, just watch the highlights of his street fight against Odell Beckham Jr recently. He’s got all the skills to be a Pro Bowl corner for years to come, but can he keep his head on straight after he gets paid big bucks?

I think Norman would be wise to stay in Carolina, but he strikes me as a guy who’s going to go wherever the biggest contract is. That means he could be the highest profile free agent to change jerseys this off-season.

Next: Von Miller

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