Buffalo Bills have had initial conversations with Josh Norman
During Brandon Beane’s press conference at the NFL Combine he said the Buffalo Bills have had initial conversations with cornerback Josh Norman.
While the focus is on the NFL Draft this week at the NFL Combine, Buffalo Bills’ GM Brandon Beane said during his press conference that the team has had initial conversations with cornerback Josh Norman.
Plenty of notes to come from Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott meeting with the media here in Indy. Of note: Beane said the Bills have had initial conversations with Josh Norman.
— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) February 25, 2020
While this isn’t surprising, this is a move that likely won’t excite the fanbase. There is a connection between Norman and head coach Sean McDermott, from their time with the Carolina Panthers as McDermott was the defensive coordinator for Norman from 2012 to 2015.
Norman had a breakout year his final season with the Panthers, helping the team reach Super Bowl 50. He finished that year with four interceptions, two fumble recoveries as well as two defensive touchdowns.
The Panthers used the franchise tag but then rescinded it when he didn’t sign the deal. He then went on to sign a 5-year, $75 million contract with the Washington Redskins. However, Norman was never able to replicate his performance with the Panthers and he was released earlier this month.
As noted, the fact that the Bills have had conversations with Norman isn’t surprising. He knows the defensive scheme the team runs and at one time found great success playing in it. Meanwhile the Bills have plenty of questions opposite Tre’Davious White with Levi Wallace an exclusive rights free agent and Kevin Johnson an unrestricted free agent.
The determining factor on a move like this will come down to what the front office envisions Josh Norman’s role will be. If they believe he is still a starting cornerback and can return to the level he showed in Carolina, it feels like a mistake.
Next. Takeaways from Bills press conference at NFL Combine. dark
If Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott sees him in the Kevin Johnson role, as a depth player who has starting experience, and are concerned they can’t bring Johnson back this offseason, then this is the right move. However, it can’t be the only move at the position and the Bills must continue to add more pieces at cornerback.