Carolina Panthers: Re-signing Josh Norman Top Priority
The Carolina Panthers need to bring back their star defensive back.
The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of an important off season. After coming off of a great season that saw them fall just short of an NFL Championship, the team is rebuilding a unit that can potentially get the job finished next season. One integral part of that unit is Josh Norman. As the Panthers look for ways to bring back Norman, he’s clearly one of the most vital components to this high-performing defense. Unfortunately, the team is not close to signing him to a long-term deal.
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According to ESPN reporter, David Newton, Norman has yet to sign the deal and the two sides remain “far apart. “
ICYMI #Panthers CB Josh Norman still hasn't signed his franchise tag designated by the Panthers last month, a... https://t.co/bEFmMmukyg
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 22, 2016
The tag guarantees Norman $13,952,000 in 2016 if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal by July 15. However, it is in the best interests for both parties to create that deal before that date. For Norman, he can leverage a better deal from the Panthers at this time, which has the potential to lock in large guarantees. For the Panthers, they would avoid a bidding war with other teams that are sure to be interested in Norman’s services going forward. Losing him would be a serious problem that puts a lot of added pressure on this defensive unit.
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Carolina has made some key moves during the off season that has allowed them to keep much of their team together while keeping their cap space open. Re-signing both Charles Johnson and Mike Tolbert to restructured deals created an opening in which they can build a long-term deal for Norman as well. Last off season Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly were the top two priorities for the Panthers, this year that position goes to Norman.
Since joining the Panthers as their 5th round pick in Norman has continued to grow into a premiere cover corner for the team. Yet, it was the 2015 season that allowed him to emerge as one of the best in the league. He ended the year with 56 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. Norman started off the year really hot with but ended up with “only” four interceptions. That word is used lightly as he is part of a unit that led the league with 24 total picks.
Figuring out how to re-sign Norman should be a top priority before the July 15 deadline hits. Showing a commitment to reward the players that contributed in stellar fashion during the 2015 season will continue to fall in line with the positive message that is radiating from the Panthers’ locker room. Both Tolbert and Johnson referenced the atmosphere as reasons they were inclined to return to Carolina rather than take more lucrative offers from other teams. Even Norman himself would like to return to the Panthers in the future.
“I really hope that I can be here, because I’ve been here my whole life,” said Norman, as reported by Newton of ESPN. “I don’t want to change that. But hey, you never know how things will go.”
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Norman’s value was truly experienced during the 2015 season and Carolina needs to go to all the lengths needed to bring him back to this defensive unit.