Panthers Place Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag On Norman

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday that the team has applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to cornerback Josh Norman.

The non-exclusive tags means that Norman can negotiate with other teams and the Panthers have an opportunity to match a contract-offer. If the Panthers elect to not match, the team gaining Norman’s services would be rendered two first round draft picks.

“I’m excited that Josh will be back with the Panthers next season,†head coach Ron Rivera said. “He played very well for us this year and was a big part of the success we enjoyed as a team.â€

Norman was an All-Pro defensive back last season and helped lead the Panthers to the Super Bowl. The 28-year-old cornerback will be guaranteed $13.95 million for the 2016 season.

The franchise tag salary is an average of the top five salaries at the position of the player being tagged. Here is a list of what a player at each position would make if designated for the franchise tag.

Entering his fifth NFL season, Norman earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2015 after recording four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns.  In addition, he contributed 16 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Norman is the sixth player in Panthers history to receive the franchise tag, joining punter Todd Sauerbrun (2003), tackle Jordan Gross (2008), defensive end Julius Peppers (2009), center Ryan Kalil (2011) and defensive end Greg Hardy (2014).

“Josh has worked hard to develop himself into a very good player,†general manager Dave Gettleman said. “We appreciate the role he plays for us in our defense and we look forward to having him back for the 2016 season.â€

The move secures one of the key players on the Panthers’ highly regarded defense for the 2016 season and allows the team to focus on other needs in the draft and free agency.