49ers sign veteran cornerback Josh Norman

The San Francisco 49ers have announced the signing of CB Josh Norman to a one-year deal. In order to make room on the roster, the team released CB Dontae Johnson.

Norman was originally drafted by the Panthers in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. A nine-year NFL veteran, Norman had the best season of his career in 2015, his last in Carolina, when he was named a first team All-Pro by the Associated Press. He would sign with Washington the following year and be named to the Pro Bowl. He would play a full season only once over the next three seasons while in Washington before signing with the Buffalo Bills for 2020.

Last season, Norman appeared in nine games with three starts. He finished the season with 24 tackles, four passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception. He also added six tackles and one forced fumble in three postseason games for the Bills.

A 33-year-old native of Greenwood, SC, Norman attended Coastal Carolina University where he appeared in 46 games, including 39 starts, and registered 196 tackles, 48 passes defensed, 13 interceptions and four forced fumbles.

Despite the name recognition, Norman has not been a top player for a while now. In his last 37 games dating back to 2018, opposing quarterbacks have not been afraid to test the veteran, completing 63% of their attempts for 1,402 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions against his coverage.

The starting cornerback positions are set with Jason Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley. Norman provides a veteran upgrade to Dontae Johnson and he will likely serve as the fourth cornerback behind rookie Deommodore Lenoir.