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Chicago Bears Rumors: Josh Norman A Perfect Fit For Bears, Seems D.C. Or San Francisco Bound

By Ernest Shepard
Published on: 08:49 PST, Apr 22, 2016

Adding cornerback Josh Norman would be the perfect way for the Chicago Bears to cap off their offseason. If the Bears do not act fast, he will wind up with the San Francisco 49ers or the Washington Redskins. Josh Norman is a perfect fit for what the Bears need. That is why the Chicago Bears must bring him in for a visit as soon as possible.

The moment that it was announced that the Carolina Panthers rescinded their franchise tag from Josh Norman, NFL teams began lining up to discuss the idea of bringing him on board.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears are one of several teams who have at least reached out to Josh Norman and his representatives.

It is reported that Norman had a visit with the Washington Redskins (courtesy of CSN Mid-Atlantic) today. The Redskins brought him in on a private jet and had him travel to the football facilities secret service style. He is expected to entertain all contract offers before making a final decision. If that holds true, he will leave D.C. with a contract offer on the table as he makes more visits.

Josh Norman is hoping to get a contract in the annual range of $15-16 million. Any team that wants to bring him in will have to pay that price, or come close to it. Most of the teams that have interest in him do not have the cap space to sign him outright. Only the 49ers, Bears, and Tennessee Titans have the room under the cap. So far only two teams have attempted to schedule a visit with Norman, at least that we know of.

It appears that the Redskins and 49ers are willing to give Norman what he is asking for. The question is are the Bears willing to pay him?

In order for Washington to come up with the cap space, according to Washington CBS Local, a corresponding move must be made. That probably means a trade will take place. Perhaps a few team veterans get released for the additional cap room.

Here is where it becomes tricky. The majority of the Redskins cap space is tied up with the franchise tag hit that was applied on quarterback Kirk Cousins. If Washington wants to find room, they should start by signing Cousins to a long-term deal. Even if that were to happen, the salaries for the incoming rookie class must be paid out of what is remaining.

The Redskins may have the need, as well as the first visit, but they do not quite have the cash just yet.

As for the San Francisco 49ers, they can just sign Josh Norman without any problems. The only problem is that Norman has stated he wants to win right now. They are a long way from winning in San Francisco.

If Norman were to sign with the 49ers it would be for the money. They have over $52 million to spend. San Francisco may also be the worst team in football.

The shortcomings in Washington and San Francisco opens up an opportunity for the Chicago Bears to pounce on the situation. The Bears are in an envious position right now. They have the room in the salary cap, the need for a top-flight cornerback and they are closer to winning than most observers care to admit.

With the job the Chicago Bears have done on defense in the offseason, bringing in linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, adding Josh Norman makes sense.

Norman on the Bears instantly elevates the defense to a top-10-level unit. His presence alone would essentially shutdown an entire side of the football field. Grouped with a healthy Tracy Porter and Kyle Fuller, Josh Norman would solidify the Bears secondary.

Norman is a coverage cornerback, with excellent ball-hawking skills. His size also gives him an advantage over bigger receivers.

Add to that his versatility and coverage ability, which the Bears will seek out if they have to make cornerback a priority at the upcoming draft.

The fact that one of the Chicago Bears’ biggest draft needs is at cornerback is a reason to believe that they have a considerable amount of interest in Josh Norman.

Will the Bears try to meet Norman’s salary demands? It would make sense if they do.

[Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images]

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nfl Sports Chicago Bears Washington Redskins San Francisco 49ers Josh Norman
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