The Washington Redskins are among the teams "expressing most interest" in free agent cornerback Josh Norman, who had his franchise tag rescinded on Wednesday.
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-- 2016 Redskins Free Agency Journal
The Washington Redskins will be the first team to host free agent cornerback Josh Norman for a visit according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Norman became a free agent on Wednesday after the Carolina Panthers rescinded his franchise tag.
ESPN's Adam Schefter listed the Redskins among four teams "expressing most interest" in Norman's services Thursday morning, alongside the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans have also "expressed interest," Schefter said.
On Thursday afternoon, Rapoport said that the Redskins and 49ers have emerged as "front-runners" for Norman.
CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora also reports that the Redskins have a "very legit offer" for the cornerback.
In four seasons, the 28-year-old Norman has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, amassing 181 tackles with 37 passes defensed, seven interceptions, four fumbles forced and two touchdowns.
During the 2015 season, Norman was named Pro Football Writers Association Most Improved Co-Player of the Year along with Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Coastal Carolina product finished the season with 56 tackles along with 19 passes defensed, four interceptions and two touchdowns.
He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September after totaling 15 tackles along with three passes defensed, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a touchdown.
Norman started 14 games during the 2014 season, tallying 48 tackles with 11 passes defensed and two interceptions.
The six-foot, 195 pounder hauled in his first career interception on Oct. 28, 2012, picking off Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.
The Redskins currently have nine cornerbacks on their roster after the team announced the signing of free agent Greg Toler last week.
Will Blackmon was also re-signed during the offseason while Chris Culliver continues to work his way back from a torn ACL and MCL that he suffered during a practice in November.
If the Redskins have any interest beyond just checking in on Norman's new availability as a free agent, the team would likely bring him in for a visit to the team's Loudoun County, Va., headquarters.
Stay tuned to Redskins.com and @Redskins on Twitter for all the latest.
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