Unable to lure a top cornerback when free agency began, the 49ers now have a shot at Josh Norman.
The Carolina Panthers on Wednesday rescinded the franchise tag they placed on Norman, thus making him an unrestricted free agent.
Norman is coming off an All-Pro season that culminated with a berth in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. He stood to make $13.9 million on the franchise tag for this season. The 49ers have the league’s most salary-cap space, $52.6 million, according to NFL Players Association figures.
The prospect of playing for the 49ers certainly intrigued Norman when asked about it during the Panthers’ media access in downtown San Jose prior to the Super Bowl.