5 defensive players that didn’t live up to the hype during Commanders tenure
By Dean Jones
Josh Norman - Former Commanders CB
Another one-season wonder that got a huge contract from Dan Snyder, cornerback Josh Norman didn't live up to some pretty substantial hype upon joining the now-Washington Commanders. Yet another critical error from an owner that seemed to be spiraling out of control by this point.
Norman was an absolute revelation for the Carolina Panthers in 2015, helping them reach the Super Bowl under current Commanders' head coach Ron Rivera and winning an All-Pro selection as a result of his sterling efforts.
The Panthers originally slapped the franchise tag on Norman but rescinded it soon after. This paved the way for him to sign a bumper five-year, $75 million contract with a $15 million signing bonus and $50 million guaranteed with Washington - a commitment he was unable to match.
While Norman played four seasons in Washington, the Coastal Carolina product never got close to his accomplishments in the campaign before he hit the market. And during his final year, giving up a 128.6 passer rating when targeted meant he was another name for a long list of free-agent signings who never reached the end of their deals.
Norman spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills before returning to Carolina last season when Jaycee Horn got injured in Week 16. He's likely played his final NFL down but will be well-off forever thanks to Snyder and Washington.