Carolina Panthers rescind Josh Norman’s franchise tag
By John Buhler
The Carolina Panthers pull a shocking front office move Wednesday by pulling the franchise tag of Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman, making him a free agent.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers have reportedly rescinded the franchise tag they offered to Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman, thus making him a free agent.
Rapoport said it best, “Wow.” He would later add that many view Norman as the best corner in the game today. He will enter unrestricted free agency in April, having any team with available cap space and a need in the secondary clamoring for the elite shutdown cornerback.
The #Panthers have rescinded the franchise tag offer on CB Josh Norman. He's a free agent. Wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2016
The player many believe is the best cornerback in the game — Josh Norman — is now a free agent. In April. Unreal circumstance
The player many believe is the best cornerback in the game -- Josh Norman -- is now a free agent. In April. Unreal circumstance
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2016
Norman was a massive part of the 2015 Panthers success on the gridiron defensively. He was a first-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 2015, leading the Panthers to a 15-1 regular season record, and Carolina’s second trip to the Super Bowl in franchise history.
Rapoport added that “talks between Josh Norman’s agent and the Panthers weren’t going well.” It’s so shocking to see a player of his caliber be cut in April when many teams are now beginning their offseason program.
Talks between Josh Norman's agent & #Panthers were not going well. They weren't close. Most teams hold onto the player. Not the Panthers
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2016
Norman in 2015 started all 16 games for the NFC Champion Panthers, with four interceptions, two pick-sixes, 18 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 18 combined tackles. He will play the 2016 NFL season at age 29 still very much in his prime.
Norman will make somebody else’s secondary incredible. Hard to believe the Panthers let him walk out of Charlotte for nothing. Wow…
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