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Panthers use franchise tag on All-Pro CB Josh Norman

FILe - In this Jan. 24, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have until Tuesday, March 1, 2016, to put the franchise tag on All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, a move that is expected while the team looks to work out a long-term contract. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File) FILe - In this Jan. 24, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have until Tuesday, March 1, 2016, to put the franchise tag on All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, a move that is expected while the team looks to work out a long-term contract. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)

By Associated Press March 1, 2016 1 min read

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The Carolina Panthers have applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman.

The team made the announcement before Tuesday’s deadline.

Norman will make $13.952 million next season unless he signs a long-term contract extension. Carolina has until mid-July to negotiate a new deal with Norman.

Since the Panthers used the non-exclusive franchise tag option, other teams can approach him with offers. If an offer is made and Carolina doesn’t match, the Panthers would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation for losing him.

Norman told The Associated Press that “sure, everyone wants a long-term contract because it means more stability. But there isn’t much you can do.”

The 28-year-old Norman had four interceptions in the first four games of the 2015 season, returning two for touchdowns.

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