Washington Redskins sign All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman

Photo Credit: panthers.com

The Washington Redskins took advantage of a golden opportunity, as they signed All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman to a deal on Friday night. 

Norman signed a 5 year $75 million contract, and the contract includes $51.1 million in guaranteed money.

 "I'm looking forward to getting back to the playoffs here," Norman said in an interview with the team's "Redskins Nation" show on CSN Mid-Atlantic. "You guys went last year. I'm looking forward to going even deeper into the playoffs and then the Super Bowl. That's our motto, that's here, that's the goal. That's the ultimate goal."

The Carolina Panthers rescinded Norman’s franchise tag after the two sides couldn’t agree to a long term deal. That gave the Redskins a perfect opportunity to sign one of the best defensive players in the league. 

Norman’s average salary per year will be $15 million, which will eclipse Arizona’s Patrick Peterson ($14.01 million) to make Norman the highest paid cornerback in the league.

Norman will make his Redskins debut on Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 12. Norman will face his former team, the Carolina Panthers on December 19.

Norman will now match up with nemesis Odell Beckham Jr. twice this year. Last year, Norman had a career high four interceptions, 16 passes defensed and 56 interceptions last season. He also took two of those interceptions all the way to the end zone.

The Redskins ranked near last in many statistical categories on the defensive side of the ball. They ranked 29th in opponents yards per play, and 31st in passing touchdowns allowed. Norman cut the list to New Orleans and Washington, but he decided to sign in the nation's capital.