An All-Pro cornerback will be hitting the free agent market when the new league year kicks off on March 18.
According to Fox Sports’ Mike Garafolo, Washington is releasing cornerback Josh Norman effective immediately. In letting the 32-year-old go it gives the former Carolina Panthers 2012 fifth-round pick ample opportunity to find his third NFL team.
#Redskins are releasing CB Josh Norman, source says. Intriguing situation to watch, as he now has time to find his new team ahead of free agency.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 14, 2020
Could the Houston Texans be one of his landing spots?
The problem with Norman could be a combination of age and also playing for a dysfunctional NFC East franchise. In 2015, Norman was a disruptive part of a Panthers defense that helped Carolina earn a 15-1 record and represent the NFC in Super Bowl 50. Norman produced 56 tackles, 18 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four interceptions with two of them going back for touchdowns.
In 2016, Norman signed with Washington, and while he didn’t earn a Pro Bowl or an All-Pro, he posted similar numbers with 67 tackles, two forced fumbles, 19 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Playing on a team that finished 8-7-1 doesn’t provide the same visibility as a club that went to the Super Bowl.
However, the former Coastal Carolina product has not produced quality returns for his five-year, $75 million contract. Norman has produced a total of four interceptions and batted away 24 passes over the course of three seasons. Aside from the pass breakup number, those were totals Norman was producing in one season, not over the course of three.
At 32 years old, Norman would be counter to the youth movement that seems to be in play with the Texans’ cornerback group with Gareon Conley, Vernon Hargreaves, and Lonnie Johnson. At that age, the Texans almost might as well re-sign Johnathan Joseph, who will be 36 years old come Opening Day and who has more respect with the locker room than a newcomer like Norman would have.
The Texans should let Norman pass by and let him find his third NFL city somewhere else.