After cornerback Josh Norman and the Carolina Panthers were unable to come to terms on a long-term deal, the team decided it best to rescind his franchise tag. The move sends Norman to a promising free-agent market.
While Norman is of the opinion he is worth top dollar after recording career-highs in 2015, Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. isn’t buying it.
When Harris was asked who he considers the top-five corners in the NFL, he named Richard Sherman, Darrelle Revis, Patrick Peterson, Aqib Talib and himself as the best corners in the NFL (via the Broncos official website):
Norman recorded four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, two touchdowns and 56 combined tackles last season. Though, Harris claims it takes more than being a one-hit wonder to be considered the cream of the crop.
“You’ve got to do it more than one year. We’ve been guys that have done it five years.”
Harris makes a good point. However, Norman is drawing interest from multiple teams that have the need for improvement at the position.
While Norman’s reported asking price of $16-$18 million is steep, there are teams out there with ample cap room that might bite.
If Norman does indeed ink a deal that even pays him at the bottom of his asking price, he will be the highest paid corner. This is taking annual average salaries into consideration.
Where Norman eventually lands will be one of the exciting storylines to follow leading up to next week’s draft.