Panthers apply franchise tag to Josh Norman

The Carolina Panthers have placed the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman.

Carolina is aiming to get back to the Super Bowl and win it this time around, and general manager Dave Gettleman took a large step in that direction on Tuesday. Gettleman applied the franchise tag to cornerback Josh Norman, ensuring that he keeps the First-Team All-Pro in house for at least one more season.

Norman emerged as one of the best players in the National Football League last season, and now he’s being paid like one. Norman will receive $13.9 million on the tag, and unless his contract is eventually made into a long-term deal before July 15, that will also be his cap hit.

Carolina is now sitting at $7.5 million in cap space, but really does not have many other key pieces to sign. The only other player of real note is fullback Mike Tolbert, but he should not command a major salary. The Panthers might be able to dip into the free-agent market a touch, while also paying their draft class.

Norman, 28, made both his first All-Pro team and first Pro Bowl in 2015. The former Coastal Carolina star picked off four passes and forced three fumbles, helping the Panthers reach their second Super Bowl in franchise history.