The Josh Norman free-agent tour is officially underway.
The former Panthers cornerback will visit with the Redskins on Friday, according to multiple reports.
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Norman became a free agent Wednesday when the Panthers rescinded his non-exclusive franchise tag. The two sides were having difficulty reaching an agreement on a long-term deal. Norman wanted at least $16 million per season and never signed the one-year franchise tender worth $13.952 million.
Norman rejected a five-year deal worth $37.5 million, with $15.5 million guaranteed, last summer.
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As soon as he entered the free-agent market, Norman became a hot commodity with the Redskins and 49ers emerging as early front-runners. The 49ers could easily afford Norman with $53 million in available salary cap space. Should the Redskins land the 28-year-old Pro Bowler, they'd have to do some roster juggling with only about $11 million in free cap room, according to Spotrac.com.
Both the Redskins and 49ers are discussing five-year deals worth about $15 million per season, according to ESPN. Norman has changed agents and would like a deal in place ahead of next week's NFL Draft, according to NFL Media. The Buccaneers are among other teams to express interest in Norman.
Norman is coming off a career season in which he emerged a premier shutdown corner.
A fifth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina in 2012, Norman had a career-high four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and three forced fumbles last season. He also had 16 passes defensed to help the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50.