ARE YOU READY FOR THIS..... PANTHERS WORK OUT JOSH NORMAN..!!!

Well, it has come full circle. Today, the Panthers announced that they have brought in JOSH NORMAN to workout. One of the showiest (is that a word.??) CBs in the league in his early career.

If Norman should sign on with the Panthers, it would be his second time around here. The Panthers drafted Norman back in 2012 as a 5th round pick. By 2014 he had established himself as part of the Panthers DB structure. He was part of the resurgence that carried the Panthers to the Playoffs in 2014 and also part of the 2015 team that was 15-1.  Norman was a Pro-Bowl selection in 2015 as well as All-Pro selection the same year.  He left the Panthers before the 2016 season ----- Remember the Gettleman fiasco.??

David Gettleman Franchise Tagged Norman at the end of the highly successful 2015 season.  THEN, rescinded the tag before Norman signed it. This left Norman as a free agent and he signed and played four years with Washington, followed by one year with the Bills and one with the 49ers in 2021. 

Last year with the 49ers he started 14 games with a career-high seven (7) forced fumbles. Norman is 35 Y.O. and has not played this year.  He has a lot of History with the Panthers. Volatile player, no doubt. High energy. Loud. Lots to say. In general, his skills backed him up.. Solid, SOLID defensive CB. I was really surprised when Gettleman pulled that move. Surprised and angry as well.  Norman gave our DBs some "game". He "talked the talk" and "walked the walk".

We will see what happens. A lot will depend on his condition. Would love to see him on the field putting some ENERGY into our DB room.!!


READ ANNOUNCEMENT HERE: Panthers 'Work-Out' Josh Norman

They signed him to PS. Good thing too, can’t nobody take a stiff arm like JNO

For old times sake I'm glad to see him back, but speaking of "old", I can't help wondering what (if anything) he has left in the tank. I wasn't even aware he was still playing football.

Keith Taylor will be looking like an all pro now. And he is not one.

They signed him to PS.  Good thing too, can’t nobody take a stiff arm like JNO

For old times sake I'm glad to see him back, but speaking of "old", I can't help wondering what (if anything) he has left in the tank.  I wasn't even aware he was still playing football.

Keith Taylor will be looking like an all pro now. And he is not one.

All of these ^^^ are valid points and questions.  With Norman at 35 Y.O. you have to expect some degradation. Still, he was highly effective his third and fourth years with the Panthers. He studied under 'Peanut" Tillman and learned those lessons well. I liked him and his style of play. He was tough and didn't take any crap off of anyone.

Sure, it can be said that Norman was never the fastest CB on the field. But, after leaving the Panthers he had four (or five..??) years with Washington and another really good year last year with the 49ers, He started 14 games for them with a league-leading seven (7) forced fumbles.

So..... The question is, if he was that good last year, why not this year.??    

Interesting Article HERE--PANTHERS.COM: Josh Norman Is Back...

Norman will wear #6 when he steps on the field on Sunday. NFL Rules prevent players from changing numbers during the regular season of football, and CJ Henderson has #24 right now.

Any truth to Steve Smith returning.

Not that I know, while I’d love it!

Should be an interesting game.  With JayCee Horn definitely OUT for at least this game, our Defensive backfield is really going to be pressured working against Tom Brady. If we can get some pressure up front, it will be easier on the back side. Josh Norman will undoubtedly play Sunday. I expect to see him 'situationally'. Maybe some significant time in rotational roles. Could be tough sledding...