Bills Sign 12-year Veteran Josh Norman to Address Banged-up Secondary Depth

Buffalo Bills sign cornerback Josh Norman to address their injury-depleted secondary depth, including starting cornerback Tre'Davious White.

The Buffalo Bills have made a move to address their depleted secondary depth by signing cornerback Josh Norman to their practice squad. Norman, a 12-year veteran, played two games with the Carolina Panthers last season, making it his third stop in as many years. The 35-year-old previously played for the Bills in 2020, appearing in nine games, including three starts.

The Bills currently have a major hole in their secondary due to the season-ending injury of starting cornerback Tre'Davious White, who tore his right Achilles tendon. Additionally, fellow starter Christian Benford was unable to play in their recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a shoulder injury.

One advantage of signing Norman is his familiarity with several members of the Bills staff, including head coach Sean McDermott. Norman spent his first four NFL seasons in Carolina, where McDermott served as the Panthers' defensive coordinator. Additionally, Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington held the same position in Carolina during Norman's time there.

Washington spoke highly of Norman, praising his intensity, size, and disruptive ability. He expressed excitement about the contributions Norman can make to the team.

Norman's playing time has decreased in recent years. While he started 92 games in his first nine seasons with Carolina and Washington, he has only made five starts in 25 appearances over the past three seasons, including a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021.

The Bills' defense is also dealing with injuries at other positions, with starting linebacker Matt Milano and starting tackle DaQuan Jones both out indefinitely and requiring surgery. Both players were injured in the game against Jacksonville, which was played in London.

To help the team recover and adjust after the trip, McDermott has decided to ease the Bills back into practice. The players have had time off since returning home on Sunday and will have a walkthrough practice on Wednesday, followed by a full practice the next day. This will prepare them for their upcoming game against the New York Giants on Sunday night.

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