NFL News & Analysis

San Francisco 49ers add veteran cornerback Josh Norman

Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) reacts to his interception return for a touchdown with teammate outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly agreed to terms with free-agent cornerback Josh Norman. The contract is reportedly worth up to $2.5 million, a deal with a base value above the veteran minimum.

A first-team All-Pro with the Carolina Panthers in 2015, Norman spent last season with the Buffalo Bills. He played 344 snaps across nine games, recording 23 solo tackles, one interception and three pass breakups. His 69.1 PFF grade ranked 33rd among qualifying cornerbacks.


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NFL IMPACT

Norman has earned just one 77.0-plus PFF coverage grade (2015) throughout his NFL career.

He played 446 defensive snaps and earned a 69.5 PFF coverage grade with the Bills in 2020. He earned a 43.4 coverage grade across 603 defensive snaps with the Washington Football Team the year prior.

Season Total snaps PFF grade Rank
2020 344 69.1 33rd of 136
2019 603 45.7 128th of 135
2018 1,028 68.9 49th of 131
2017 902 72.2 49th of 126
2016 1,059 71.7 26th of 132
2015 1,063 83.7 3rd of 128
2014 637 70.5 32nd of 123
2013 102 51.9 N/A
2012 772 58.7 89th of 118

Click here to view Josh Norman's career in PFF Premium Stats…

BETTING IMPACT

Bet the 49ers under: The 49ers rank 10th in PFF's power rankings and have the easiest schedule in the NFL. However, our latest simulation still sees their current quarterback situation as an issue, as we expect them to fall short of their 10.5-game win total. Take the under, but make sure the juice isn't overly prohibitive. PFF's new Power Rankings Tool offers projections based on 10,000 season simulations, given Team Point Spread Ratings, Strength of Schedule and team records.

Niners are a Week 1 favorite: The 49ers' easy schedule starts against the second-worst team in the NFL. As a touchdown-plus favorite on the road, most bettors won't be able to stomach backing their counterpart. The best play could be including the 49ers in a teaser to cross key numbers 3 and 7 if you expect a more difficult than anticipated matchup in Detroit. PFF Greenline uses exclusive game and player data to make projections on NFL game spreads, moneyline, and over/under.

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