The Buffalo Bills first free agency move this offseason was to sign cornerback Josh Norman to a one-year, $6 million deal. The contract raised some eyebrows across the NFL landscape due to Norman’s age, 32, and his play with the Washington Redskins the past two seasons.
Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane justified the acquisition while talking to reporters on Thursday via video call. While slightly admitting there might be some understandable questions, Beane said Norman has a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
“We don’t think the system Josh Norman played in Washington played to his strengths… he’ll bring an edge to our defense and I think he’s got something to prove,” Beane said.
Norman has a connection to both Beane and head coach Sean McDermott, with Norman being a 2012 fifth-round selection during their time in Carolina together. His best years came when McDermott was his defensive coordinator, tallying seven interceptions over four seasons together. In 2015, Norman rose to All-Pro status, earning those honors, but it ushered in his exit from the Panthers. In a strange twist rarely seen, Carolina franchise tagged him and when a long-term deal couldn’t be reached, the Panthers opted to remove the tag, making Norman a free agent. He went onto the Redskins where he started well, but his play in recent seasons fell off.
Because of that, the Bills will hope Norman may see a resurgence in his career under his old defensive coordinator. Giving the likes of Levi Wallace and EJ Gaines, there’s extra competition to play opposite star cornerback Tre’Davious White. Buffalo’s No. 2 cornerback position will likely be up for grabs, even with those others, the Bills might hope that helps Norman.
With his previous two spots, Norman was relied upon as the top cornerback. With the Bills, that’s going to be White. Less pressure, more production? That’s Beane’s hope.
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