4 former Panthers players who might come back in 2021
By Dean Jones
Josh Norman – CB
- 2020 team – Buffalo Bills
There is little doubt that Josh Norman took the money and ran in 2016 when he departed the Carolina Panthers for Washington. But things were up and down for the cornerback on a team that always flattered to deceive despite spending big on established players who simply didn’t live up their billing once they got substantial guaranteed money.
Norman and Washington went their separate ways this offseason, which left some questioning whether the player still had what it takes. However, a move to the Buffalo Bills and a reunion with former coach Sean McDermott has proven there is life in his career yet.
McDermott was Carolina’s defensive coordinator when Norman was playing his best football. Although he’s a little longer in the tooth these days and the Derrick Henry stiff-arm aside, there was a lot to like about the way he applied himself throughout the campaign as Buffalo narrowly missed out on a shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Tampa.
If the Panthers opted to try and bring Norman back, it would only be a short-term arrangement. They were a little naive in their secondary during the season and adding someone with the nous he’s acquired throughout his career would not only stabilize things but also provide the young core with a role model to learn from that is sure to aid their development.