CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The good news is that Josh Norman finally got the contract he was holding out for. The bad news is that the contact is not with the Carolina Panthers.
Norman is now a member of the Washington Redskins. Both he and the Panthers must move on and focus on a future that doesn’t include the other.
In his first press conference with his new team, Norman expressed his excitement to be in Washington, but also spoke on his time with Carolina.
“Now I’m a leader for a team, a team that really wants me and truly does value me and what I can bring to the table. And I’m ready to give everything I’ve got to them.”
Norman’s strong play for a championship caliber team was sure to earn him a hefty contract. Sources indicate that General Manager Dave Gettleman and the Panthers were offering the cornerback a four year contract worth $44 million. Norman saw himself as an elite player at his position worthy of a deal that paid in the $15 million range annually, which is exactly what he got from the Redskins with a five year $75 million deal.
Though talented, Norman was still low man on the leadership totem pole on a team that features 2015 league MVP Cam Newton, 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly, and 2014 Walter Payton Man of the year Thomas Davis. His talent may immediately thrust him in to a leadership position on a less distinguished Redskins’ team.
While Norman did not disparage the Panthers, he did speak of a freedom in Washington that may have not been present in Carolina.
“I’m so appreciative of the defensive coordinator and my position coach so much because they allow me to be myself and allow me to do the things that I’ve done,” Norman said. “I can’t speak enough of that and I really do appreciate them not trying to put me in no bubble or box. Let me do my thing. Some of my other coaches did it when I was in Carolina, but here I’m really going to show you something different.”
Norman garnered many accolades for his 2015 performance. However, some people questioned whether he was truly a gifted individual player or the product of a very talented defense.
The answer may be both. Obviously, the Carolina defense is not as good without Norman, but the Panthers still have a strong group of experienced players on defense. All-Pro cornerbacks are not easy to find on the open market and take time to develop as draft picks, so it remains to be seen how Gettleman will attempt to replace Norman.
Football is a business. The players understand that and apparently no hard feelings exist between Norman and his former teammates.
“Back in Carolina, they’re my guys. They’re my teammates, my brothers,” he said. “I loved each and every one of them. Nothing has changed that perspective for me. I’m human. This happened kind of overnight in a way. I’ve still got those feelings. But you’ve got to know it’s a business and for me I just looked at that and took it as, I’m here to help someone else.”
Norman will get the opportunity to prove himself against his old squad when the Panthers travel to the Redskins on December 19th for a Monday Night Football match up that will certainly take on a more personal nature, due to Carolina’s dismantling of Washington in 2015 and Norman’s arrival.
