Josh

Norman

At 35 years young, Norman continues to find work whenever a team needs him. The veteran safety played in two games for the Panthers last season, and was in on over 750 snaps for the 49ers in 2021. Per PFF, Norman has allowed a receiving line of 45-630-7 on his last 67 targets, looking more like a liability in coverage as the years go on. The Bills have lost three starting defenders over the last week, so a shot on Norman feels like somewhat of a desperation move at this point.

This move comes just hours after it was announced that Jaycee Horn would undergo wrist surgery on Tuesday. With the Panthers fighting for a shot at the postseason, Norman is a familiar face to both the Panthers and interim head coach Steve Wilks, as both were on the team during their 2015 run to the Super Bowl. The veteran defensive back is fresh off his 35th birthday and last played for the 49ers in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. Norman was graded as one of the worst coverage corners in the league last season per PFF, earning a coverage grade of 45.4 while allowing 41 receptions for 576 yards and six touchdowns. He’ll have a chance to suit up in Week 17 against the Bucs, but could be limited in 2022 season debut.

With just two weeks left in the regular season, it’s unknown whether or not Wilks is suggesting Horn could return in the regular season or in the playoffs if the Panthers were to make the postseason. Regardless, it appears Horn will be out for at least Week 17 against the Buccaneers. In a corresponding move, the Panthers are expected to workout and sign veteran cornerback Josh Norman if all goes well.

Norman is reportedly going to tough it out through the injury and avoid missing any games. The veteran corner, once renowned as one of the best in the business, is mostly a depth option in the San Francisco secondary at this stage of his career.

Norman reportedly has two bruised lungs and tissue damage. He left the Sunday night game with a chest injury and was quickly taken to a nearby hospital after “spitting up blood,” according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Norman has mostly been used in a rotational role through three weeks. The Niners could be without him next week against the Seahawks, though Rapoport said he “hopes to play” in Week 4.

Norman “has the mindset he will be ready to play” after joining the 49ers this week. San Francisco signed Norman as a depth option and will likely limit him to a small role if active. Norman can make up to $2.5 million on his one-year contract if he hits incentives.

The $2.5 million figure is the maximum value of Norman’s contract and can be reached through incentives. Once an elite corner, Norman has devolved into a depth option who can be expected to sign with a new team every offseason. He most recently played for Buffalo but rarely saw extensive action. A hamstring injury and a stay on the reserve/COVID-19 list held him out of seven games. Norman earned starts in just three of the nine outings that he was active for, totaling one interception and four passes defended in the process. Pro Football Focus graded him as an adequate corner in coverage last year which marked a turnaround from his disastrous 2019 season. Norman’s experience as a starter makes him a solid option for San Francisco as long as he isn’t forced into a starting role anytime soon.

Norman and three other Buffalo players were placed on the list November 14. In three games this season, Norman has given up 14 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets. He could rejoin the team for their Week 12 game against the Chargers. The Bills’ secondary will need all the help they can get against red-hot rookie Justin Herbert.

Norman tested positive while CB Levi Wallace, TE Tyler Kroft and S Dean Marlowe were all identified as close contacts. None will travel to Arizona for Week 10 against the Cardinals. With fewer available bodies, the Bills also elected to promote LB Darron Lee, CB Daryl Worley, WR Jake Kumerow, S Josh Thomas, and CB Dane Jackson from the practice squad. Norman, who was already battling a hamstring injury, should be considered week-to-week moving forward.

Buffalo’s secondary will be shorthanded in this week’s matchup with the all-powerful Seattle passing attack. Norman has played in just three games this season, and hasn’t suited up since Week 6.