5 free-agent cornerbacks to replace Jeff Gladney on the Vikings
By Dean Jones
Josh Norman
This would be one of the more surprising options for the Minnesota Vikings to consider. Josh Norman is now firmly in the twilight of his career and is on the decline, but he might be a solid possibility providing the team doesn’t put too much on his shoulders.
Norman was considered one of the best in the business once upon a time. His 2015 campaign with the Carolina Panthers brought a Super Bowl appearance, an All-Pro selection, and a big-money move to the Washington Football Team as a result.
What came after that wasn’t in the script.
Norman struggled to find the same consistency in the NFC East. Although things improved in 2020 with the Buffalo Bills, it wasn’t enough for the veteran to earn an extended stay and he’ll forever be remembered for being on the wrong end of a brutal stiff arm from Derrick Henry that sent him flying.
If the Vikings went in this direction, then Norman needs to be willing to accept a lesser role. He has the experience to make a difference as a backup, but his days of being a guaranteed starter are long gone.
Minnesota could also give Norman a chance of one more deep postseason run before riding off into the sunset. Something the veteran would undoubtedly welcome at this stage of his career.