All-Pro Cornerback Lands Massive Contract With Redskins

After falling short in the playoffs last season, the Washington Redskins knew they must improve their defense this offseason in order to repeat as NFC East champions.

Cue general manager Scot McCloughan, who knows a thing or two about evaluating talented football players. His philosophy is to build through the draft, re-sign his own, and let the free agent market come to him. McCloughan has done exactly that, with a recent addition that shocked the NFL.

Photo: cbslocal.com

Merely two days after the Carolina Panthers let Josh Norman walk, the Redskins swooped in and signed him to a five-year, $75 million deal. For those keeping track, he is now the highest-paid cornerback in the league, with $50 million in guarantees.

Once word got out regarding Norman's availability, at least 10 other teams besides the Redskins showed interest in his services. While that comes as no surprise, what is surprising is that Washington only had ~$11.5 million in cap space, yet McCloughan managed to lay out an enticing deal on the table.

Norman immediately upgrades Washington's secondary, which lacked playmakers, to say the least. The outspoken 28-year-old earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors last season for notching 56 tackles, 18 passed defended, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles—all career highs. Having a true shutdown corner such as Norman, paired with emerging star Bashaud Breeland, provides the Redskins with a strong tandem.

The New York Giants may have Odell Beckham Jr., but the Redskins now possess his kryptonite: Mr. Josh Norman, ladies and gentleman.