What’s trending in the NFL: Carolina Panthers right to rescind Josh Norman’s franchise tag

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Taking a spin around the NFL with the latest news and notes from Thursday:

Today’s top pick

Kevin Seifert makes the case that Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman did the right thing by rescinding Josh Norman’s franchise tag and letting him walk for nothing in return.

Seifert makes valid points, but it’s still fair to question why the Panthers didn’t just let Norman play the season out. This is a team that made the Super Bowl last year, and according to Football Outsiders, they were second in pass defense and third against No. 1 wide receivers.

When opposing offenses threw to their right, where Norman usually camps out, the Panthers ranked first. It seems reasonable to conclude that the team was concerned about how Norman would react to the reality of playing the season on the franchise tag. But even though Gettleman has built a talented roster, and the Panthers are still among a handful of favorites in the NFC, they now have a big hole to fill.

What’s happening?

It’s rare to hear general managers speak honestly about prospects in the days leading up to the draft, but Lions GM Bob Quinn admitted that his team has labeled Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche a “red flag” player. The Lions are slated to pick 16th in next week’s draft. Michael Rothstein has more from Quinn on Nkemdiche.

Jon Gruden made an excellent …

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