When it first became apparent that the Washington Redskins were going to be serious contenders to land All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, there was one pressing question that needed to be answered.
How were the Redskins, a team with approximately $11.1 million in cap space, going to fit Norman, who was reportedly seeking $16 million per year before the Carolina Panthers rescinded the franchise tag, into their budget?
It turns out that was not as difficult as it appeared to initially be. The Redskins signed Norman to a five-year, $75 million contract on Friday night, which will pay him a guaranteed $36.5 million in the first two seasons.
Norman will make $20 million in 2016 but only count for $8 million against the salary cap, leaving the Redskins with a little more than $3 million remaining. The Redskins will have to make a few moves to give themselves a little bit more flexibility, one of which is expected to be the release of veteran wide receiver Andre Roberts, but the Norman deal is not a total cap-killer.
The 28-year-old cornerback received a $15 million signing bonus, but only $3 million of that counts against the cap in 2016 as it is prorated over the duration of the five year contract. His base salary makes up the remaining $5 million. In 2017, Norman’s base salary is boosted to $16.5 million and includes a $500,000 per game bonus. The Redskins have put themselves in position to cut ties with Norman after two seasons if they feel like it. His 2018 base salary of $13.5 million becomes fully guaranteed if the Redskins elect to keep him on the roster after the start of the league year in March 2018. Norman is scheduled to earn a base salary of $11 million in 2019 and $12 million in 2020.
By comparison, the New York Giants signed cornerback Janoris Jenkins to five-year, $62.5 million contract at the start of free agency. Jenkins, 27, will receive approximately $29 million guaranteed in his first two seasons.
SEE ALSO: Redskins sign former Panthers cornerback Josh Norman
Norman, who had the best season his career in 2015, emerged as one of the best corners in the league and the Redskins are paying him like it over the next two seasons. Whether they feel strongly enough about him to keep him after that is a question that doesn’t need to be worried about now. The bottom line is that they got Norman on a cap-friendly deal for 2016 and greatly boosted a secondary that needed a lift.
After this season, the Redskins will have several hard decisions to make. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receivers Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, tight end Jordan Reed, defensive end Chris Baker and outside linebacker Junior Galette are all set to become free agents.
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.