LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 2: Cornerback Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a play against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at FedExField on October 2, 2016 in Landover, Maryland.
The Washington Redskins released former Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman on Friday, according to NBC Sports Washington. Norman told the network that new head coach Ron Rivera informed him of the decision on Friday morning.
“It’s their choice, not mine. Norman said. “Now I can start something new and fresh.”
SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019
The 32-year-old spent the last four seasons with Washington after signing a five-year, $75 million deal in 2016 after the Panthers removed the franchise tag they had placed on him in 2015. The deal made him the highest paid cornerback but he hasn’t made the Pro Bowl since 2015 and his production as a shutdown corner never carried over to Washington. During his time as a Redskin, Norman compiled 7 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles and 235 tackles.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Those years never lived up to his lone Pro Bowl season in 2015 when he helped lead Carolina to the Super Bowl with four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns and three forced fumbles.
Norman was benched late in the season appearing in 12 games in the 2019 season recording just one interception. In December he was asked if he thought he was still an elite cornerback. Norman told the Washington Post, “I don’t believe anything. I am. When you are something, you don’t believe it; you go out and do it. Sucks that I can’t prove it right now.”
The release of Norman and wide receiver Paul Richardson opens up $15 million in cap space giving the Redskins a total of $54 million to use in free agency which begins March 18.
To add insult to injury, Sean McVay announced on Monday that the Los Angeles Rams…
The Panthers named Andy Dalton as their new starting quarterback earlier this week, relieving 2023…
Once known as the worst clutch quarterback in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins…
On Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve with a concussion.…
The Chicago Bears learned the hard way last week that not all wins are pretty.…
Quarterback Daniel Jones has had to field multiple questions about negative Giants fans last week.…