Panthers rescind franchise tag for Josh Norman, free agent now

It was a stunning move. The Carolina Panthers rescinded Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman's $13.952 million franchise tag. He's no an unrestricted free agent. The Panthers felt they didn't have a shot at hammering out a deal with Norman. “After a number of conversations with Josh’s agent we realized that a long-term deal was not attainable,” general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. “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.” Norman wanted to be paid $16 million per year. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers and several other teams are interested in Norman. Norman intercepted four passes last season. Follow me on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL Aaron Wilson covers the Texans for The Houston Chronicle.  
Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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