Redskins Release Veteran CB Josh Norman

Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in 2018
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in 2018. Photo by Chris Szagola/CSM/Shutterstock (10012853aw)

The Washington Redskins cut ties with cornerback Josh Norman over the weekend, once considered one of the best defensive players in the National Football League.

Norman’s release was almost a given after another tumultuous season in Northern Virginia. After signing a big-money contract with the ‘Skins after seasons of dominant play with the Carolina Panthers, the South Carolina native never quite lived up to his billing at Fedex Field.

The five-year, $75 million deal given to Norman was widely considered yet another example of the franchise’s reckless, ill-advised spending.

After spending three seasons as an undisputed starter with the ‘Skins despite mediocre production, Norman was benched at the end of the 2019 season. He only appeared on special teams in the last games of the season despite the team being short at cornerback.

It was a long fall from grace for Norman, who was a first-team All-Pro squad member and a Pro Bowl participant in the 2015 season before joining the Redskins.

Washington will save $12.5 million in salary-cap space after releasing the 32-year-old veteran, space that they intend to use in the free-agent market to improve a team that limped to a 3-13 record in the 2019 season.

Norman is now a free agent and may sign with any team.