Josh Norman will be a healthy scratch Sunday against the Detroit Lions according, multiple reports.
Norman was benched in the second half of last week’s loss to the New York Jets after scored two passing touchdowns in his area.
The Redskins tried to trade Norman ahead of this year’s trade deadline to no avail. Washington had an avenue to cut their losses before the season started with Norman but opted to keep the veteran.
Norman has one year left on his five-year that has a $15.5 million cap hit. The Redskins would save $12.5 million if they were to release him before the season.
Norman never quite duplicated the success he had with the Carolina Panthers. After being franchise tagged in 2016, the Panthers rescinded the tag allowing Norman to be a free agent, in which he ultimately signed with the Redskins for $75 million.
Often known for freelancing to make plays, that style of play bit Norman more often than not in Washington.
When he arrived in Washington five seasons ago, he had a reputation as one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the NFL. His interception totals did not equal to his impact. However, as his cover skills diminished in Washington, he became a prime target for opposing quarterbacks.
This season, Norman has a 47.2 grade with Pro Football Focus, His play on the field drew ire to fans and he never quite lived up to expectations of his hefty contract.
This week, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky didn’t sound supportive of Josh Norman about his inability to make plays.
“I couldn’t tell you. You’d have to ask him,” Manusky said, per Burgandy Blog. “We think we put him in some positions to make plays and he’s just not making them, but that’s across (the) board.”
Rookie Jimmy Moreland is expected to get the start in place of Norman opposite of Quinton Dunbar. Moreland has been a popular choice of fans, and now gets the opportunity to play on the outside where he is most comfortable.
