Tag: Josh Norman

Only 3 teams have spent less than the Commanders over the past 3 seasons

Washington has been cheap for years. That will change under Josh Harris in a number of areas.

Remember when the offseason was the Super Bowl for Washington? Back then, former owner Daniel Snyder would fire up his jet and bring some of the top free agents to Washington.

That strategy always backfired. When Bruce Allen took over as Washington’s president in 2010, the franchise changed how it operated in free agency.

For years, the franchise looked for cheap free agents on short-term deals, and the results were as predicted. When Washington did make a splash, such as Josh Norman or Landon Collins, it didn’t necessarily work out either.

That previous cheapness mainly persisted when Ron Rivera took over as coach and defacto GM in 2020. One positive from Rivera’s era was that he did manage to extend some of Washington’s top players.

But Rivera struck out in free agency, too, for the most part, particularly over the last three years.

When the Commanders did spend on outside free agents, they didn’t spend wisely. Overall, though, Washington has been cheap over the past three years, as only three teams have spent less cash than the Commanders, according to Spotrac.

Rivera received much of the blame for that, which is fair. However, Snyder’s cash flow was an issue and played a more significant role in Washington’s lack of aggressiveness in free agency.

Regardless, the Commanders won 26 games in four years under Rivera.

Snyder is gone now, and Allen has been gone for five years. Josh Harris is the new owner, and Adam Peters is the new GM. While the Commanders will primarily be built through the NFL draft, they will use free agency to supplement the roster instead of building the team.

Snyder was known for his cheapness over the years, not investing in FedEx Field or the team’s headquarters in Ashburn. Harris, who didn’t take over until July, has already earmarked $75 million in upgrades at FedEx Field and in Ashburn. Harris has also committed to analytics and sports science.

Times have indeed changed for the Commanders.

Every franchise tag recipient in Panthers history

With a new recipient likely on the way, let’s look back at the Panthers’ history with the franchise tag.

With no new deal seemingly in sight for two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns, the Carolina Panthers are destined to use the franchise tag for the eighth time in their history.

But how did the first seven play out?

Let’s take a look at Carolina’s history with the tag.

WATCH: Luke Kuechly surprises Cam Newton during live stream at Super Bowl

Check out this must-see moment between Panthers greats Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly from Thursday:

Go grab your tissue box, Carolina Panthers.

Now that he’s a full-fledged YouTuber, franchise great Cam Newton has been setting up shop at radio row this week from the site of Super Bowl LVIII. And during his second outing on the job, he got a heartwarming surprise from an old friend . . .

Former linebacker Luke Kuechly—one of Newton’s “favorite teammates of all-time,” per Newton—joined his pal on the set for a few minutes. Cam wasn’t stingy with more superlatives either—also presenting to some and introducing Luke to others as the “epitome of an ultimate teammate,” “a professional,” and, of course, “Captain America.”

Newton would then ask Kuechly how, during his illustrious eight-year NFL career, he could turn the switch from Clark Kent to Superman.

“You wanna compete, man. You wanna win,” Kuechly replied. “You work so hard and you wanna win. And I think that’s really what it comes down to is the competitive side of guys is ultimately what makes ’em a good football player.

“And you know how it was in Carolina—we had the best dudes. Whether it was Thomas [Davis] or G.O. [Greg Olsen] or [Ryan] Kalil or you or Chuck [Charles Johnson] or K.K. [Kawann Short] and Star [Lotulelei], and I’m missin’ guys, Roman [Harper] and Peanut [Charles Tillman] and Josh [Norman]—everybody on our team was so doggone competitive. Stew [Jonathan Stewart], [Mike] Tolbert, Fozzy [Whittaker]. And it was just kinda an understanding of like, this is how we do things in Carolina and if you don’t wanna be a part of it, then go on and get out.”

The way they did things resulted in the most sustained success in franchise history. With Newton and Kuechly leading the way, the Panthers captured three consecutive NFC South titles and an NFC championship between 2013 and 2015.

So, hopefully this new era in Carolina starts stacking up some competitors, or dawgs, of their own.

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Every Pro Bowl selection in Panthers franchise history

Let’s take a look back at every Pro Bowl selection in Panthers franchise history

It took a bit longer than it should’ve, but defensive tackle Derrick Brown rightfully became the latest Pro Bowler in Carolina Panthers history.

So, as we gear up for the rest of the festivities this weekend, let’s look back at Brown and every other Panther who has been selected as an all-star.

22 former Panthers on this year’s Divisional Round rosters

Here are 22 names from this weekend’s Divisional Round action that Panthers fans may recognize

While the Carolina Panthers are busy trying to find a new power duo, quite a few of their former players are right in the middle of playoff action.

Here are 22 ex-Panthers who are gearing up for this year’s Divisional Round games:

Bills vs. Broncos: Josh Norman elevated from practice squad

#Bills vs. #Broncos: Josh Norman elevated from practice squad:

The Bills have called veteran cornerback Josh Norman up from their practice squad ahead of facing the Denver Broncos in Week 10 on Monday Night Football.

Norman, 35, was a late addition to the team’s roster this season. He was signed to the practice squad in October.

In quick fashion, the Bills have already used up all three callups Norman is eligible for. If he is to play with the team at any other point the rest of the 2023 season, he’ll have to be signed to the 53-man roster.

During his first two callups, Norman mostly played a special teams role with a few snaps on defensive mixed in.

Norman’s callup to face the Broncos comes in little surprise based on the injury report. Kaiir Elam remains on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and the team announced that Christian Benford will not face the Broncos because of a hamstring issue.

Norman will likely serve as the top depth option behind outside cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Dane Jackson in Week 10.

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Bills’ Sean McDermott explains playing Josh Norman over Kaiir Elam

#Bills’ Sean McDermott explains playing Josh Norman over Kaiir Elam:

If the writing wasn’t on the wall for Kaiir Elam, it has to be now… and just ahead of the 2023 NFL trade deadline.

The former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills (5-3) at the 2022 NFL draft did not play in the team’s 24-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4).

That comes in a recent line of disappointments for Elam. The second-year pro is putting his best foot forward and being professional when called upon, but Elam started the season inactive for four-straight games.

Elam only got back in the lineup due to injury but eventually was benched, in game.

The latest blow is Buffalo’s coaching staff putting Elam back on the inactive list for veteran Josh Norman. Having signed to the practice squad, the Bills burned one of Norman’s call-ups from the practice squad just so he could play five snaps on special teams instead of allowing Elam to do so.

Not a good sign.

Since that Thursday win for Buffalo, Elam’s name has now but tossed into trade rumors. The 2023 NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday.

During McDermott’s post-game presser, the coach surprisingly didn’t downplay why Elam was out of the lineup. McDermott said he wants players in the lineup that can “help us win.”

Which, evidently, does not include Elam.

McDermott’s full comments on the Norman over Elam decision can be found in the clip below:

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Bills snap counts: Depth chart breakdown vs. Buccaneers

New playmakers get involved:

The Buffalo Bills got after it against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and pulled off a 24-18 win on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.

But who exactly were the ones on the field for the Bills (5-3) doing all the dirty work against the Bucs (3-4)?

More often than not, taking a look in between the lines at snap count totals for Buffalo’s players can give us some insight as to what went down in between the lines on the gridiron. There is always plenty to discover when looking at these finer details.

With that, here’s how the Bills depth chart broke down via snap counts in their latest win over the Buccaneers:

Bills elevate Andy Isabella, Josh Norman from practice squad to face Bucs

What to know about these elevations from the practice squad for the #Bills:

The Buffalo Bills have elevated two interesting players from their practice squad ahead of facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football: Andy Isabella and Josh Norman.

The team announced prior to kickoff that both players will suit up. It’s the first time both have been called up from the practice squad.

In terms of their direct positions, Isabella’s call up could mean he’s featuring in a wide receiver role against the Buccaneers (3-3) or as a returner. However, the Bills (4-3) just signed Ty Johnson to their roster last weekend who then went on to take returner duties against the New England Patriots.

With the lack of secondary production in the offense behind Stefon Diggs, there could be a case for Isabella to play out of the slot.

Norman’s elevation could mean he’s taking over a spot held by former first-round pick Kaiir Elam. Throughout early portions of the season, the young cornerback Elam has been inactive on numerous game days.

Inactives for Bills vs. Bucs will be announced 90 minutes prior to kickoff, which Bills Wire will provide updates on.

Relating to other positions: Buffalo did not elevate a defensive tackle from the practice squad. That’s a good sign that Ed Oliver (toe) will be good to go. He was listed as questionable to play.

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Bills, Josh Norman reportedly set for reunion

#Bills, Josh Norman reportedly set for reunion:

Welcome back, Josh Norman.

With a concern at cornerback, the Buffalo Bills (3-2) are reportedly dipping back into that well.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the 35-year-old has signed in Buffalo again for a second time. Norman joins the Bills’ practice squad.

Norman previously spent the 2020 season in Buffalo and results were mixed. However, there’s no debating Norman’s experience working with Sean McDermott’s defense.

In addition to already playing on the Bills, Norman was with McDermott in Carolina from 2012 to 2015 where their paths crossed with the Panthers. In 2015, Norman was named an All-Pro.

Last week, Buffalo lost No. 1 cornerback Tre’Davious White to a season-ending Achilles injury.

While not expected to be long term, Christian Benford (shoulder) did not play during last week’s 25-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam started for Benford alongside Dane Jackson. Elam struggled and was pulled from the game.

The Bills do not have to immediately sign Norman to the 53-man roster. He can be called up from the practice squad before needing to make a roster spot for him.

It remains to be seen if Norman acclimates quick enough to potentially be tapped for snaps in Buffalo’s secondary. The Bills next host the New York Giants in Week 6 for Sunday Night Football.

Bills Wire will provide updates throughout the upcoming week as information is made available.

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