The San Francisco 49ers have missed out on another free agent signing. This time, it was CB Josh Norman, who the team could not even get to Santa Clara for a visit. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Norman will be signing with the Washington Redskins, where he spent Friday on a visit.
On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers announced that they had rescinded the non-exclusive franchise tag on Norman, which immediately made him an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers, who have $52.6 million in cap space, were one of the first teams to reportedly inquire about Norman and were considered front-runners to sign him. San Francisco had requested a visit by Norman, per CSN Bay Area, but none was scheduled nor did he ever get out of Washington.
Washington had flown Norman and his family in on a private jet and caravanned him to their facility on Friday.
Carolina was prepared to let Norman play under the franchise tag price of $13.95 million, but reports stated that Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman changed his mind when the cornerback didn't sign the tag and appeared intent on holding out for the entire offseason.
According to Pro Football Focus, Norman had the third highest coverage grade among corners last season (+16.8) and led all corners with a passer rating allowed of 54.0.
Norman could have filled a big need for the 49ers defense, which finished last season ranked 27th in the league against the pass, allowing 261.2 yards per game. Norman was part of a Panthers defense that ranked 11th in the league against the pass. The shutdown corner started all 16 games last season for Carolina and had four interceptions for 110 yards, two touchdowns, 18 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
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