Report: Saints making 'strong push' for Norman, join Redskins as finalists

A division rival appears to have emerged as a legitimate contender to land Josh Norman's services on the open market.

The New Orleans Saints are making a "strong push" to sign the now-former Carolina Panthers star cornerback, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports, citing sources.

Norman took his first free-agent visit in Washington on Friday, and his highly anticipated decision is reportedly narrowed down to the Redskins and Saints.

The San Francisco 49ers, who were considered a favorite along with the Redskins on Thursday, are presumably out of the running as a result.

Norman hit the free-agent market Wednesday after long-term negotiations in Carolina broke down, and the team elected to rescind his $14-million franchise tag. A report from Schefter the following day indicated that any deal he signs is expected to pay him between $14 million and $15 million per season.

New Orleans is a surprise suitor given that the club currently sits just $3.44 million under the salary cap, but Sean Payton and Co. are clearly set on one last Super Bowl run as Drew Brees' career winds down. The 28-year-old, coming off a season in which he earned First-Team All-Pro honors, would represent a massive upgrade in the defensive backfield.

In minimizing the work that needs to be done in creating additional space against the cap, the Saints could conceivably look to back-load a contract while still meeting Norman's considerable contract demands.