CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Josh Norman, one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, is now an unrestricted free agent after the Carolina Panthers surprisingly rescinded their non-exclusive franchise tag offer to the All-Pro.
Norman did not sign the franchise tag offer from the Panthers which would have paid him $13.9 million in 2016.
Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said in a release Wednesday that "after a number of conversations with Josh's agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable" and that the organization wishes him well.
A former fifth-round draft pick, Norman had a career-high four interceptions and helped the NFC champion Panthers lead the NFL in interceptions (24), takeaways (39), points off turnovers (148) last season.