Josh Norman hires new lead agent day after Panthers end negotiations

A day after Josh Norman unexpectedly became an unrestricted free agent, the former Carolina Panthers star cornerback hired a new lead agent.

Norman hired agent Ryan Williams of Athletes First agency to take the lead on his contract. Norman's former lead agent -- Michael George of SFX Sports Group -- will stay on as co-representative.

Keeping George on the negotiating team is a curious decision. The league requires a five-day waiting period when a player changes agents, but keeping George allows Norman to proceed with finding a new team.

He won't have a lack of choices. The Pro Bowl cornerback reportedly is being pursued by eight or nine teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins.

It'll be curious to see if Norman's new agent adjusts his contract demands. FS1 NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Norman's agent had been seeking a deal in the range of at least $16 million a year. If Norman were to get that kind of money, it would make him the highest-paid cornerback, trumping New York Jets veteran Darrelle Revis, who's due to make $14 million in 2016.

Norman, who spent his first four years in the league with the Panthers, hit the open market when the Carolina decided not to entertain further discussions on a long-term deal. The team had given Norman the franchise tag, which would have paid him nearly $14 million for next season. But Norman was seeking a long-term deal, and the club decided to move on despite having until July 15 to come to terms on a long-term contract.