Remember when Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and then-Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman scuffled all over MetLife Stadium last year? It apparently didn't stop the Giants from making a phone call to the now-free agent cornerback.

The Giants were among the teams to inquire about Norman's services, according to The Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson. It appears to be due diligence.

"We investigate everything," general manager Jerry Reese said at his pre-draft press conference on Thursday when asked about potential interest in Norman.

The Giants are long, long, long shots to acquire Norman's services, for a variety of reasons (money and Beckham being the most prominent). The Redskins and 49ers have reportedly emerged as the frontrunners.

CB Josh Norman has plenty of interest, with #Skins & #49ers giving the most. Washington will have him in town, they can keep him there — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2016

Bringing Norman to the Giants remains an unlikely move. The Giants already invested heavily in cornerback Janoris Jenkins and Norman wants to get paid. He reportedly was asking for $16 million per season from Carolina. That is part of the reason former Giants assistant general manager Dave Gettleman pulled the franchise tag earlier this week.

There is also the fact that there is real dislike between Norman and Beckham. They were involved in the ugly on-field battle late last season and have shown no interest in making amends. Bringing Norman into the locker room could potentially alienate the Giants from their young star. Having his known nemesis as a teammate can't possibly be well received.

Norman will also be 29 years old this season.

His release on Wednesday was still a shocker. The Panthers could've kept him this season on a one-year deal worth almost $14 million. Instead, they opted to let him walk for free rather than have him in their locker room.

That alone should raise some red flags. Teams don't usually allow a Pro Bowl player -- especially one considered among the best in the league at a premium position -- to leave without compensation.

Likely factored into the equation is Norman's personality and character. He fought Panthers quarterback Cam Newton last year in training camp and came into the league with serious character questions. There have been several incidents since entering the league as a 24-year-old rookie that likely haven't alleviated any of the concerns.

Since no one else will, I'll spill secret that isn't secret. OBJ far from only one in NFL circles who thinks Josh Norman has screw loose — Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 20, 2016

That likely had something to do with the Panthers' decision, which didn't make Reese blink.

"Nothing surprises me in this business," he said.

The reaction won't be the same around the league if the Giants uncharacteristically seriously get into the Norman mix.

TALK IS CHEAP, Ep. 49: Giants draft preview -- a closer look at the top 10

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Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.