Could Josh Norman be a strong mentor for Panthers CB group?

Should the Carolina Panthers reunite with former Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman in 2021?

Free-agent cornerback Josh Norman could add veteran experience and roster depth to the Carolina Panthers’ secondary. Such a big move is something that head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer should consider in 2021.

The Panthers have made some big moves during free agency by stacking up the defense with big names like Denzel Perryman, Haason Reddick, Frankie Luvu, and Morgan Fox. These players have all shown their abilities to adapt and succeed, which is something Carolina is looking to bring next season.

However, the Panthers need depth at one defensive position, cornerback. Donte Jackson has the speed and attributes to break up passes and intercept the ball that is accustomed to a No. 1 player at the position. During the 2020 campaign, the LSU product came up big down the stretch on his way to a Pro Football Focus grade of 70.4, as well as recording:

• 28 solo tackles
• 57 targets
• 3 interceptions (tied for 9th in the league)
• 33 receptions allowed.
• 7 assists

Carolina Panthers need better depth at CB in 2021.

Despite Jackson’s notable improvement, the Panthers need some depth on the opposite side of the field. Per ESPN.com, Carolina signed veteran corner Rashaan Melvin to a one-year deal. While he brings experience there are some weaknesses.

The 6-foot-2, 31-year-old has bounced across the NFL playing on multiple teams and suffered many injuries over his career. The addition brings some veteran presence to the secondary, but some more options are needed.

Signing Norman could be a solid move by padding the position with another experienced player.

Panthers fans are familiar with the intense defensive presence of Norman. The Pro Bowler was originally drafted in the fifth round by the team in 2012 before departing for a megabucks deal with the Washington Football Team after Carolina’s incredible run in 2015.

It is no coincidence that his playmaker abilities contributed to the division titles and Super Bowl appearance for the Panthers as well as helping his most recent team, the Buffalo Bills, make a postseason challenge of their own last time out.

Norman has an amazing gift, which is being able to get into the heads of receivers as well as make big plays that others might miss.

He can play patient and aggressive football.

He has shown he can be the first player to spot the play and make tackles for loss.

The Panthers would be wise to consider signing the nine-year veteran to a short-term deal and hope that he can find the sort of form that made him a star in Carolina once upon a time.

Norman finished his tenth season with a PFF rating of 69.1 in 2020, recording :

• 23 solo tackles
• 27 targets
• 1 interception
• 19 receptions allowed

Melvin spent a majority of the 2020 season injured, not providing enough statistics for a rating at PFF. However, in 2019 he was graded at 55.3 after putting up these stats:

• 62 solo tackles
• 80 targets
• 51 receptions allowed
• 4 assists

While Norman is two years older and two inches shorter than Melvin, his stats and season highlights prove he can contribute to any team. Even though Rhule has proven his ability to find diamonds in the rough by drafting defensive talents like Derrick Brown and Jeremy Chinn in 2020, it is no surprise that he prefers building a team around younger players with athleticism and enthusiasm.

However, by signing Norman the Panthers can lock up the cornerback position depth and provide some mentorship if they decide to continue to go with youth over more proven production. Carolina has some raw talent in the secondary, and Rhule has proven it is just the beginning.