The Carolina Panthers have placed the franchise tag on cornerback Josh Norman, according Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The two parties will continue negotiations for a long-term deal despite the designation, notes Rapoport.
After a breakout season in 2015, it's expected that Norman will be looking for a contract that'll put him among the highest-paid players at his position.
The three highest-paid cornerbacks in the league are Darrelle Revis, Patrick Peterson, and Richard Sherman, who all earn around $14 million per year.
Under the tag, Norman would be owed $13.9 million for the 2016 season.
The 28-year-old has said previously that he hopes to finish his career in Carolina.
"I really hope that I can be here, because I've been here my whole life,'' said Norman. "I don't want to change that. But hey, you never know how things will go.''
Norman was a key piece in the Panthers' run to Super Bowl 50, racking up 56 tackles, four interceptions, and two touchdowns.
