If you thought the Philadelphia Eagles-Cleveland Browns trade was shocking, get ready to be blown away by the latest breaking NFL news.
The Carolina Panthers announced they have rescinded the non-exclusive franchise tag they used on cornerback Josh Norman this offseason, making him a free agent.
“After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable,” Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said, via the team’s Twitter account. “We thank Josh for all his contributions and truly wish him well.”
This truly is shocking news because even if the Panthers and Norman couldn’t come to an agreement on a long-term deal, he still would have been under contract with the franchise tag for the 2016 season. Norman was looking for a deal worth around $16 million a year, according to FOX Sports’ Mike Garafolo, which is higher than the roughly $14 million the team would have paid him under the franchise tag.
The Pro Bowl cornerback had four interceptions — two of which he returned for touchdowns — and 48 tackles in 16 regular-season games for the Panthers in 2015.
Thumbnail photo via Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports Images
