Panthers carry again former All-Professional CB Josh Norman for surprising playoff push

With Jaycee Horn out with a damaged wrist and a playoff spot at stake, the Carolina Panthers see a well-recognized face at cornerback.

The Panthers introduced Monday that they’re signing 2015 Carolina All-Professional Josh Norman, who has emerged as one of the crucial influential cornerbacks within the sport. He’ll first signal with the Carolina follow workforce. He’ll qualify for the roster for Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cornerback starter Horn is because of bear wrist surgical procedure on Tuesday, after which his situation is unknown.

Norman, 35, hasn’t replicated his All-Professional kind since 2015, however has remained an NFL starter for the higher a part of six seasons since. He hasn’t performed in 2022 after beginning 14 video games for the .

Interim head coach Steve Wilkes was the Carolina’s defensive backs coach throughout Norman’s first tenure with the workforce, which noticed Norman develop right into a shutdown nook throughout the 2015 season. not often challenged, and infrequently paid the worth after they did.

Norman defended 18 passes in 2015, recording 4 interceptions, three compelled fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He returned two interceptions for a landing that season. Norman earned his Defensive Participant of the Yr vote and spent the season on his five-year, $75 million contract with Washington, with a assure he had $50 million. He performed 4 of his seasons in Washington with then-New York Giants receiver Odell and his combat with Beckham Jr. made common headlines.

Norman by no means got here near his earlier All-Professional degree in Washington, however was a four-year starter and tended to drive turnovers. Recorded eight compelled fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

He joined the Buffalo Payments in 2020 earlier than enjoying in San Francisco in 2021. It is unclear how a lot the 35-year-old, who has no on-field expertise this season, can contribute in Carolina. However Wilkes has religion in him, and the 6-9 Panthers have received three of their final 4 video games and unexpectedly discovered themselves in playoff competition.

Carolina closed out the NFC South with a win within the closing two weeks of the season. A win over the 7-8 Bucs, the workforce they beat 21-3 in Week 7, would give them the lead within the division. The Panthers will shut out the season in Week 3 when he faces the 6-9 New Orleans Saints.