Josh Norman Is A Free Agent: Option For Ravens?
The best cornerback in NFL Free Agency never hit the market…until now. Josh Norman is now a free agent now that the Carolina Panthers have rescinded his franchise tag, according to reports. Could this be the answer to the Baltimore Ravens cornerback situation?
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The All-Pro cornerback won’t come cheap. Money is the reason he is no longer with the reigning NFC Champions. This is the quote from Panthers General Manager, Dave Gettleman, from panthers.com:
"“After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable,” general manager Dave Gettleman said. “We have decided to rescind the Franchise Tag freeing Josh to immediately become a UFA. We thank Josh for all his contributions and truly wish him well.”"
The Ravens have had success picking from the Panthers leftovers in the past. Obviously Steve Smith Sr. was somebody the Panthers should have never let go. Could the Ravens go after another former Panther?
I would think the Ravens will stay out of the bidding war for Norman’s services. They moved mountains just to create cap space for Eric Weddle, Ben Watson and Mike Wallace. That was a big free agency haul, and they’re probably done with that.
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Norman is looking to be one of the highest paid players in the game. He is worth it. There are few cornerbacks better in the NFL than Norman. The Ravens do need another cornerback pretty desperately. Signing Norman would give them a chance to address this need before the draft. Remember though that there are good cornerbacks in this draft class.
The Ravens now have a better chance of getting Jalen Ramsey in the first round, after both the Rams and the Eagles traded to get their quarterback. The Ravens could also draft Vernon Hargreaves, or perhaps they could take Mackensie Alexander or Kendall Fuller in the second round. These options would be a lot more cost effective.
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Here are some words of caution Ravens fans. Don’t get to excited about Norman being on the open market. It’s doubtful that they would be able to get a deal done with him. If they did however, Ozzie Newsome would prove that he still is the master of the NFL offseason.