Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Panthers are still slated to use their franchise tag on CB Josh Norman before today’s 4pm EST deadline.
According to Rapoport, the two sides are expected to continue discussing a long-term extension throughout the day.
Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports that Norman is asking for “$14 million to $15 million a year” in his next contract, which could make him the highest paid cornerback in the league.
Person adds that the two parties have made little progress since they met at the Combine, so it appears as though he’s headed for the franchise tag.
Franchising Norman will run Carolina close to $13.952 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.
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