If there was a worse cornerback signing in recent memory than Trumaine Johnson, it would have to be Josh Norman.
Washington is releasing the veteran four years after signing him to a massive five-year, $75 million contract in 2016. He’s seen a drop in production every year since joining Washington, so Norman will now look to prove his ability once more.
And it just so happens the Jets are looking for secondary help…
Before he left the Panthers for a big payday, Norman was one of the best young cornerbacks in the league. Known as a lockdown receiver in Carolina, he allowed only 50 percent of his targets in 2015 and snagged six interceptions, broke up 29 passes and forced four fumbles from 2014-15.
Norman looked great in his first year with the Redskins – three interceptions and 19 pass breakups – but he was abysmal by the end of the 2019 season. He ranked among the worst cornerbacks with a 45.6 Pro Football Focus grade and allowed a 142.7 passer rating when targeted. Whether it’s his age or something worse, Norman just flat out stunk in Washington.
With the Jets on the verge of releasing fellow free agent bust Trumaine Johnson and in the market for a veteran starting cornerback, could Norman be an option? After the 2019 season he had, it better be a one-year prove-it deal or for much less than the $15 million per year salary he signed with the Redskins.
Norman allowed some of the worst numbers in the league and was ultimately benched at the end of the season despite the Redskins’ horrid record. He finished with a 10.9 percent burn rate, per Player Profiler, meaning receivers gained a five-yard advantage on him in downfield separation. Norman proved unable to lock down any opposing receivers, either, and gave up 69.6 percent of catches – an almost 20 percent jump from his final season in Carolina – 14.2 yards per reception and 2.7 receptions per game. His six pass breakups were also his lowest since 2013 when he only played in seven games.
The Jets need cornerback help for sure, especially if they drop Johnson and Darryl Roberts as expected, but Norman would have to come incredibly cheap for him to be worth the risk. If the Jets can land Norman at even half his yearly salary and for only one season, it would be a solid high risk, high reward option for a secondary in desperate need of help. Signing Norman would also give Douglas the flexibility to pay up for other positions of need throughout the roster.
However, the Jets can’t make the same mistake they did with Johnson and sign a big name for big money who could underperform. Douglas must be judicious with his money, and Norman might be a step in the wrong direction considering the trend of his production, his age (32) and outspoken demeanor. The Jets need team-first players bought into the vision of Adam Gase and Gregg Williams, and Norman hasn’t proven that he can do that yet in his career.
This is a move that makes sense for a low amount, but unless the Jets can sign Norman for pennies on the dollar, it’s probably money better spent elsewhere.