50 hours after the Carolina Panthers cut ties with Josh Norman, the cornerback landed a deal worth a reported $50 million in guarantees.
The Redskins on Friday night signed Norman to a 5-year contract which, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, is worth $75 million. Do the math and that comes out to $15 million per season, earning Norman the title he so badly wanted — highest-paid corner in the NFL.
The difference in guaranteed money shows why players hate the restrictive franchise tag. Norman would have made $13.95 million if he played under the 1-year tender this season with the Panthers.
Norman could see his former teammates in December. The Panthers travel to Washington for Monday Night Football in Week 15.
Because the big contract was signed before the May 12 deadline for unrestricted free agents to qualify in the 2017 comp pick formula, Norman could net the Panthers an extra choice as high as a 3rd-rounder, as long as he plays in at least 10 games.
Norman, who will be 33 when his new contract expires, faces an early trial by fire with Washington.
The Redskins kick off their season against Pittsburgh and Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown. In Week 2, Washington hosts Dallas and Dez Bryant. A week later, Norman will be at MetLife Stadium, reuniting with Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr.
As Norman — and his mom — were wrapping up their visit in Washington, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the cash-strapped Saints were making a late run. It would have been fun to see Norman and Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin go head-to-head twice a season. Instead, Norman gets two annual matchups with Beckham.
