Josh Norman Rumors: Redskins Reportedly Expected to Sign Star CB

Free-agent cornerback Josh Norman could sign with the Washington Redskins "by [the] end of business Friday," according to Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com.

On Thursday, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the Redskins had prepared "a very legit offer" for the former Carolina Panthers All-Pro corner, who had his franchise tag rescinded in an odd turn of events Wednesday.

Norman was set to make nearly $14 million with the franchise tag this year but was hoping to get a long-term deal with the defending NFC champions.

According to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer in March, the corner was seeking $16 million per year, but Carolina decided to move on when it realized a long-term deal was not obtainable.

"Man, I just don't feel like talking about it right now," Norman told the Associated Press on Wednesday (h/t Kevin Patra of NFL.com).

Once Norman hit the open market, eight or nine teams inquired about the All-Pro corner's services, according to Person, with the Redskins and the San Francisco 49ers emerging as the front-runners, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

Another sign the Redskins could be closing in on a deal is the activity on Redskins corner DeAngelo Hall's Twitter account. Norman tweeted a smiling emoji Thursday night, which Hall later retweeted.

The Redskins now appear to be on the verge of locking up one of the league's best defensive backs as well as addressing a major need. Washington was 25th in the league in passing yards allowed last year and ranked 22nd in passing touchdowns allowed.

Norman had four interceptions last season, while three Redskins tied for the team lead with two in 2015.

The Redskins surprised many by winning the NFC East title last year and are looking to remain in contention. Norman should help a struggling secondary and give the Redskins a much needed playmaker on defense.

If Washington closes the deal, fans will mark their calendars for Dec. 19, when the Panthers will take on the Redskins at FedEx Field.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.

Follow Danny Webster on Twitter.