McCloughan, Redskins get first visit with Norman
The Redskins may have found its answer to Odell Beckham and Dez Bryant. Washington will bring in newly unrestricted free agent Josh Norman for a visit today, according to multiple reports.
Josh Norman, CB | Unrestricted Free Agent 👀https://t.co/hQTNuuEcsm
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 20, 2016
The Panthers pulled its franchise tag from Norman earlier in the week. According to Adam Schefter, Norman is looking for $14 million to $15 million per year and five-year deals are being discussed with Washington and San Francisco.
It’s going to take another team stepping up big to keep Josh Norman from staying in DC. Their offer is very strong
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 22, 2016
Norman was named first-team All-Pro last year and was selected to the Pro Bowl. He has seven career interceptions. A 5th round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Josh took the long way to joining the elite group of top cover guys in the league.
If Josh Norman signs with the #Redskins, he’ll face #Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr twice a season.🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿, please.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2016
The Redskins ranked in the bottom half in passing yards allowed last season as well as passing touchdowns allowed. Although, there secondary unit was ravaged by injury much of the season.
It would be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Joe Barry uses Norman, who comes from a Cover 3 defense where he is responsible for the deep third of one side. Manny Benton of Pro Players Insiders sees the fit as seamless, as Washington plays a very similar style of coverage. Bashaud Breeland and Chris Culliver have had to adjust to playing in that style of defense as they excel a bit more as press man corners. Josh on the other hand has made a living in Carolina’s Cover 3 scheme.
In Josh Norman’s defense — The criticism of his game is almost identical to criticism levied against Richard Sherman a couple years back.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 21, 2016
Norman would provide depth alongside Breeland, DeAngelo Hall and Culliver, who played in only six games last season. It’s fair to worry about how things will work as far as the monies go, but that’ll be a bridge Washington will have to cross after signing Norman. For a team that struggled on defense and in coverage, it’s a welcome problem to have.
Josh Norman no “one season wonder”. His rise to elite status started with 2014 pic.twitter.com/Bsegu4AkGF
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 21, 2016
