Back in 2015, Josh Norman had a solid case to be considered the best cornerback in football. The former fifth-round pick enjoyed a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers that year, where he was named First-Team All-Pro.
As a reward for his stellar season, Norman signed a big five-year, $75 million deal with the Washington Redskins that offseason. At the time, that made Norman the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
However, while he had his moments in the nation's capital, Norman was largely a disappointment in his four seasons with Washington.
Now, the former All-Pro defensive back has a chance to get his career back on the right track after he signed a one-year deal worth $6 million with the Buffalo Bills. Norman still has some left in the tank and could help the Bills in a variety of ways.
Take Some Pressure Off of Tre'Davious White
Buffalo already has one of the best pass defenses in all of the NFL. Last season, the Bills ranked fourth in the NFL in passing yards allowed and surrendered the second-fewest passing touchdowns with 15.
A big part of the team's elite secondary is All-Pro corner Tre'Davious White. White has been a full-time starter for the Bills since he was drafted in 2017, but the 5-foot-11 corner truly broke out last season in year number three.
The other starting cornerback spot across from White has yet to be solidified, and while that job may go to someone like Levi Wallace, Norman, at the very least, will provide the team with some excellent depth.
Familiarity for McDermott
Before becoming the Bills head coach in 2017, Bills head coach Sean McDermott spent six seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Panthers. During his six seasons, Carolina posted a top-10 defense four times.
Reuniting Norman and McDermott will provide some familiarity for the young coach. If anyone knows how to handle an expressive player like Norman, it's his former coordinator.
Veteran Experience
While the Bills undoubtedly have a very talented defense, the importance of veteran leadership cannot be understated. Of the four cornerbacks on Buffalo's roster that started at least one game last season, only Kevin Johnson (27) is older than 24 years old.
At 32 years old, Norman is likely reaching the final few years of his career. Norman has been in the NFL for longer than White and Wallace combined and will help mentor the younger players on the team, even if he has to do that from the bench.
Buffalo could certainly use a veteran presence in the defensive backfield, and perhaps no other free agent has the chance to make as big of an impact on as cheap of a contract as Norman does in 2020.
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