It’s quite rare to see an all-pro player in the prime of his NFL career become a free agent, but that's what happened to cornerback Josh Norman on Wednesday when the reigning NFC champion Carolina Panthers rescinded his franchise tag.
Free agency died down weeks ago, but there are still a handful of teams that might have the desire and, perhaps more importantly, resources to make a run at Norman. Who might they be?
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Even after wooing free agent DT Malik Jackson, S Tashaun Gipson and RB Chris Ivory, GM Dave Caldwell is still sitting on more than $50 million of unused cap space for 2016. The Jags allowed the most points in the AFC last year and ranked 29th against the pass, so Norman would certainly be a welcome addition to an ascending team that could meet what are apparently lofty contractual demands.
2. Tennessee Titans: GM Jon Robinson only has about half the cap space of the Jaguars, a bit less than $30 million, but has already shown a willingness to make bold moves in his bid to rebuild the franchise. And with top CB Jason McCourty trying to come back from groin issues that limited him to four games in 2015, the Tennessee secondary is hardly settled.
3. Chicago Bears: They're still collecting the pieces for the type of imposing defense coach John Fox and DC Vic Fangio envision. Norman would provide a nice veteran presence opposite young CB Kyle Fuller, and the Bears seem to be another team with enough left in the cookie jar – more than $20 million in cap space – to potentially meet Norman's asking price.
4. New York Giants: No team gave up more yards through the air in 2015. Yes, the Giants are already heavily invested in CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins. But there's not much behind them, and it's imperative to have three starting-caliber corners anymore in a league where teams constantly throw the ball. And, yes, it's delightful to ponder a scenario where Norman and archenemy Odell Beckham Jr. are teammates.
5. Panthers: Dave Gettleman seemed to slam the door pretty hard on Norman, whose franchise tag for 2016 was worth nearly $14 million even if his long-term demands were "not attainable," according to the general manager. But Carolina probably gives Norman his best shot at both winning and cashing in considering Gettleman is still sitting on approximately $30 million in cap room. And with the 30th pick in the draft, the Panthers will likely find it difficult to find a replacement who can immediately replicate the corner's on-field value. As for Norman, at 28 he's coming off just his first Pro Bowl season and could certainly find the market won't bear what he might think he's worth. Don't be shocked if cooler heads prevail.
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Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis
PHOTOS: Notable NFL players changing teams
