Panthers & Josh Norman Have Made “No Real Progress” On New Deal, Expected To Use Franchise Tag

According to David Newton of ESPN, there has been “no real progress” in contract negotiations between the Panthers and free agent CB Josh Norman.

Newton adds that the expectation remains that the Panthers will ultimately use their franchise tag on him before tomorrow’s deadline.

The two sides expected to meet and discuss a long-term deal at the Combine, but there wasn’t a lot of optimism that a long-term deal would get done.

Norman is reportedly looking to to be paid as one the league’s top cornerbacks in the game, which means his asking price could be as high as $14 – $15 million per year.

Franchising Norman will run Carolina close to $14 million fully guaranteed for the 2016 season.

Norman, 28, is a former fifth-round pick of the Panthers back in 2012. He’s in the final year of his four-year, $2,299,000 rookie contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next week.

In 2015, Norman appeared in all 16 games for the Panthers and recorded 56 tackles, four interceptions with two being returned for touchdowns, three forced fumbles, two recoveries, and 18 pass defenses for the Panthers. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 6 cornerback out of 118 qualifying players.

We have Norman featured in our Top 100 – 2016 Free Agents list.