Josh Norman signs with Redskins: Twitter reacts
By John Buhler
Josh Norman has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth $75 million with the Washington Redskins and here’s what Twitter had to say about the signing.
Josh Norman had his 2016 franchise tag with the Carolina Panthers rescinded on Thursday by Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman. Gettleman apparently didn’t want to pay the 29-year-old All-Pro cornerback roughly $14 million, so he made a bold decision in cutting the premier shutdown cornerback.
It took a day, but the NFC’s Washington Redskins were able to sign Norman to a five-year deal worth $75 million annually, per the NFL Network’s Rand Getlin.
I'm told CB Josh Norman has agreed to terms with the #Redskins.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) April 22, 2016
Since the Redskins only had roughly $12 million in 2016 salary cap space, it would make sense for Norman’s deal with Washington to be a back-loaded one. He is getting a reported $50 million in guaranteed money, so that must have been the huge incentive have him sign with Washington.
Twitter has been all over this story the last few days, so naturally the Twitter-verse would have a few things to say at the very least at the massive deal Washington just shelled out to Norman on Friday evening.
Many pointed out how Norman will have to go up against two great wideouts in the Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant and the New York Giants’ Odell Beckham, Jr. twice annually no playing in the NFC East.
Josh Norman 5 yr, 75 mill? He's not even the best corner in the league
— 👈🏾 somebody’s son (@celly_92) April 23, 2016
When Josh Norman realize he gonna get embarrassed by Odell twice a year for the next 5 years pic.twitter.com/Sl9YCUmD3a
— Schoen & Daboll SZN (@SaquonTheGod) April 23, 2016
The Josh Norman-ODB rematch is gonna be great.
— Matt Zarnoch (@MatthewZarnoch) April 23, 2016
Preview of the Josh Norman/Odell Beckham matchup next year pic.twitter.com/XEW9uqKTcz
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) April 23, 2016
Josh Norman vs. Odell Beckham Jr. 2x per season. pic.twitter.com/TRcmHOqKPg
— Chris Trapasso 🏈 (@ChrisTrapasso) April 23, 2016
Odell Beckham vs Josh Norman twice a year? Gotcha popcorn ready pic.twitter.com/YsejBDEnRF
— Sports Comedy (@SportsComedy_) April 23, 2016
Others are questioning if Norman is worth the $15 million annually or if he will hold up without having the great Panthers to back him up.
Funny. Some people in my timeline who said you can't pay Kirk Cousins on one season jumping for joy over signing Josh Norman (one big year).
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) April 23, 2016
If you truly believe Josh Norman is a top 3 DB in the NFL, I honestly hate you. Have fun being bankrupt @Redskins
— Shalen (@shalen_plays) April 23, 2016
Josh Norman going to bed tonight like... pic.twitter.com/vmEhUxwIjt
— Rock 'Em Socks 🧦 (@RockEmSocks) April 23, 2016
Josh Norman gets $50M guaranteed. Whatever team selects Jalen Ramsey is going to be getting an absolute steal for his five-year rookie deal.
— Dakota Moyer (@DakotaMoyer) April 23, 2016
Josh Norman will do anything to face Odell Beckham twice a year.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) April 23, 2016
In fairness while Norman has had a great last year and a half with the Panthers, it seems that the Twitter-verse believes that Norman received a handsome payday for limited success in the NFL. It’s more proof that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder still refuses to be outbid on veteran free agents.
For now, Norman has a huge deal that is roughly two-thirds guarantee and the Redskins have reportedly agreed to pay the shutdown corner until he completes his 2020 NFL season at age 34.
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