Josh Norman wasn’t an ideal fit for the Washington Redskins and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s scheme. It showed on the field in throughout the past two seasons. His play deteriorated as a result, leading to his release in February.
Norman signed with the Buffalo Bills shortly afterwards, reuniting him with Sean McDermott. Now the Bills head coach, McDermott was Norman’s defensive coordinator for four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. That is when Norman made a name for himself, blossoming from a fifth-round draft pick into an All-Pro cornerback.
Their history together certainly led to Norman’s signing with Buffalo.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane was also with the Panthers’ organization when the team drafted Norman. Speaking to WGR 550 Sports Radio in Buffalo Thursday, Beane seemed confident in the signing of Norman despite his porous play in Washington in large because the Bills felt he was not in the right system in Washington.
Norman was signed by the Redskins in 2016 while Scot McCloughan was the general manager after the Panthers rescinded the franchise tag on him. He played well in his first season under defensive coordinator Joe Barry. But, Barry was fired following that season.
Norman’s play declined each season afterwards under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. In 2019, he allowed 32 receptions on 46 targets, according to Pro Football Focus. He was benched and relegated to special teams.
He was seldom used on defense down the stretch, playing 10 snaps total over the final three games. His last snap was him allowing a touchdown pass to Greg Ward in a Week 14 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, signifying the end of his time in Washington.
Was all of his struggled due to a lack of a scheme fit?
Some will argue that was the case much like Beane.
The fact remains in Washington, Norman never duplicated the success he had in Carolina. He never had a Pro Bowl season and now at the age of 32 he will get to opportunity to re-write his career story in Buffalo.
