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The Redskins have made their first obvious roster move to clear cap space. Josh Norman will be released and the team saves $12.5 million with a $3 million dead cap hit. Norman was expected to be released after being benched while the team signed guys working for UPS to play instead of him.
Josh Norman signed a massive 5 year, $75 million deal on 4/22/2016. The Carolina Panthers had just rescinded the franchise tag for Norman, starting a bidding war involving the Redskins, Saints, and others. Norman played 4 years in Washington. He started 54 games and recorded 7 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 43 passes defended, and 235 tackles. That was not enough to justify his salary and decline in play.
New Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera and his staff have been meeting in Ashburn this week to determine the direction of the team, and which players will be part of that. Rivera has already reached out to Trent Williams who didn't play last season after holding out over contract and medical concerns. Quinton Dunbar made headlines this week when he requested a trade or his release, then walked it back.
Norman's release is the first of many changes coming to the Redskins roster as Ron Rivera looks to transform a 3-13 team into a winner.
#Redskins are releasing CB Josh Norman, source says. Intriguing situation to watch, as he now has time to find his new team ahead of free agency.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 14, 2020
As @MikeGarafolo first reported, the Washington Redskins will be releasing Josh Norman per sources. I was told Head Coach Ron Rivera wants to meet with Norman. #Redskins
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) February 14, 2020
Ron Rivera called Josh Norman this morning to let him know they are releasing him. I talked to Norman “It’s Their choice not mine. Now I can start something new and fresh.” Says multiple teams have already been in touch with his agent. #redskins @NBCSWashington
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) February 14, 2020
Can confirm that Josh Norman is being released by the Redskins.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) February 14, 2020
They have decided to part ways with him, incurring a $3M dead cap hit. They'll clear a little more than $12M in cap space with the transaction. Norman, 32, will be able to sign ahead of the start of free agency.
- Grateful For Everything - pic.twitter.com/8Hhi2D9nHe
— *Joshua R. Norman (@J_No24) February 14, 2020
Now Let’s go get this chip!
— *Joshua R. Norman (@J_No24) February 14, 2020