Norwell, 30, began his profession enjoying for Coach Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers, which signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2014. Norwell is a stalwart who has missed solely 12 video games in eight years and figures to fill the massive gap left by left guard Ereck Flowers, one of many veterans Washington lower Wednesday.
“He’s nonetheless just about the identical man [he was in Carolina], just a bit bit older,” Rivera stated of Norwell. “Very sensible, artful soccer participant. The factor I liked about Andrew is that he was an undrafted free agent, however that didn’t deter him from turning into who he’s as we speak as a soccer participant. … He’s a man that I feel his teammates are going to search out could be very loyal as properly. It’s thrilling to have a younger man like that again on our soccer crew.”
Norwell arrived at crew headquarters as Carson Wentz, his new quarterback, met with the media for his introductory information convention. Norwell solidifies the fourth spot on the offensive line that may shield Wentz this yr and leaves proper guard the final place on the road for the crew presumably to deal with this offseason.
Washington in all probability received’t attempt Norwell at proper guard. He has performed on the left facet for all however one recreation of his profession — throughout his rookie season in 2014, in response to Professional Soccer Focus. Washington might attempt Wes Schweitzer or Saahdiq Charles, backup linemen who’ve began sometimes since 2020, at proper guard full time.
The main points of Norwell’s contract, which weren’t instantly obtainable, will have an effect on future strikes. On Monday, Washington had a measly $1.43 million of efficient cap house, in response to the web site Over the Cap. On Wednesday, a flurry of strikes cleared $18.9 million of cap house instantly and one other $11.9 million in a number of months.
In late January, Professional Soccer Focus projected a contract worth for Norwell, its eighth-ranked lineman in free company, at about three years for $7.25 million per yr.
When Rivera and Commanders offensive line coach John Matsko coached Norwell in Carolina, the lineman obtained a then-record deal for a guard. In 2017, his remaining yr with the Panthers, Norwell was named a first-team all-pro, and the next offseason he signed a five-year, $66.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars that included $30 million assured.
The deal was huge for Norwell, who had made $4.3 million in 4 years with the Panthers. Regardless of a adorned faculty profession at a preeminent program — he was first-team all-Massive Ten in 2012 and 2013 — the Cincinnati native was thought-about a fringe NFL prospect due to questions on his athleticism and consistency with method.
Norwell’s scouting report on NFL.com concluded he was a “candidate for backside of roster or apply squad.”
In 2014, halfway via his rookie yr, the Panthers’ offensive line was struggling, and Matsko performed Norwell at left guard. He performed properly, steadily bettering till he was named an all-pro in 2017.
In Jacksonville, Norwell by no means reached the identical heights — he by no means made a Professional Bowl — however he constructed a repute as a constant blocker who had a excessive ground. Final yr, he restructured his contract, taking a pay lower in alternate for shortening the contract by one yr so he might hit free company earlier.
In 2021, Norwell appeared to play comparatively properly. He missed solely 2.1 % of his blocks, which was just under league common, in response to Sports activities Data Options, and ESPN graded him as top-of-the-line run-blocking guards within the NFL.
Final season, although, he struggled with penalties. Norwell was flagged 9 occasions — 4 for holding, 4 for false begins and one for a face masks — in 1,079 snaps, one of many highest charges within the NFL amongst linemen who performed no less than 250 snaps. Based on SIS, that tied Norwell for thirtieth out of 216 linemen (with former Commander Brandon Scherff, amongst others).
After the season, when Norwell’s deal expired, he examined the market and wound up the place many former Panthers do — again with Rivera and his outdated place coach in Washington.
Nicki Jhabvala contributed to this report.
