What It Means:

Panthers' general manager Dave Gettleman said he would consider using the franchise tag to keep Norman in Carolina. "You can't sign everybody," Gettleman said, "but we're going to everything we can to keep our core together." Norman is easily the Panthers' top concern heading into the offseason, and there is almost no chance they let him hit the open market. Whether by the tag or a long-term deal, Norman should remain in Carolina for the foreseeable future.

Norman had a monster season in 2015, becoming one of the game's premier corners. He totaled four picks, 18 passes defended and 56 tackles -- all career highs. Carolina ranked second in Adjusted Defensive Passing Net Expected Points per play.