
One of the NFL's top cornerbacks unexpectedly became an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.
First-team All-Pro Josh Norman officially hit the open market after Panthers announced they had rescinded the franchise tag.
Players like Patrick Peterson, Prince Amukamara and Kenny Vaccaro weighed in on the transaction, but they weren't the only ones.
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Raiders pass rusher Bruce Irvin Tweeted directly at Norman following the news.
[MAIOCCO: Bay Area fan Josh Norman becomes free agent]
Oakland has been very active in free agency, signing safety Reggie Nelson, cornerback Sean Smith and offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele on top of Irvin.
NFL
Irvin had tried to recruit former free-agent safety Eric Weddle to the Raiders, and Tweeted "Call me baby Reggie (McKenzie) lolol."
[BAIR: Raiders' Irvin recruits Weddle on Twitter: 'Call me baby Reggie']
Between 8-9 teams have contacted Norman's representatives, including the 49ers, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Norman had his breakout season in a contract year with Carolina in 2015, recording four interceptions and returning two for touchdowns. His defensive play helped lead his team to Super Bowl 50 against the Broncos at Levi's Stadium.
Norman entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in 2012 out of Coastal Carolina.