Michael Smith and Jemele Hill share their thoughts on if CB Josh Norman can succeed playing with the Redskins. (1:08)

ASHBURN, Va. -- Is newly-signed Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman worthy of a $75 million contract to become the league’s highest-paid cornerback?

Take it from 12-time Pro Bowler Champ Bailey, the one-time Redskin, long-time Denver Broncos lock-down corner and current FOX NFL analyst.

“Yeah, he’s worth it. Josh is elite and I’m glad he’s getting paid like it," Bailey told ESPN.com, referencing Norman’s five-year deal, which includes $36.5 million guaranteed the first two years. “Elite corners are hard to come by. Josh has great instincts and ball skills. And he plays with a chip.

“He belongs in my top-five corners. He is the best corner they’ve had since I left that building (in the 2004 trade to the Broncos for Clinton Portis)."

Norman is a sorely-needed upgrade for a weak-link, 24th-ranked defense on an improving young team coming off an NFC East title and a one-and-done, wild-card playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.

He not only bolsters the pass coverage with rare anticipation and ball skills but figures to have a rub-off effect in boosting the performance of a pedestrian pass rush.

If outside linebacker Junior Galette returns from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during last summer’s training camp to his prior, double-digit sack form, the presence of Norman and Galette could mean coach Jay Gruden’s Redskins are poised to emerge as a 10-, 11-win team.

Norman has registered 39 pass deflections during the past two seasons. At 28, he is an ideal, ball-hawking fit for defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s zone defense, having played in a similar zone-based scheme the last four seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

“You can’t coach the stuff Josh brings," Bailey said. “Josh gives them so much flexibility. Joe Barry can now bring five guys on a blitz and feel confident about the coverage holding up behind them. Especially in that NFC East division having to go against Dez Bryant twice, Odell Beckham Jr. twice and those Philly wide receivers, you need a shutdown corner.

“And now they’ve got one."

Added Norman on the renewal of last year’s super-heated rivalry with Beckham:

“God has got a way of smiling at people, huh? Geez, he’s got jokes. But no, it’s going to be fun. He’s a competitor. I’m going to play, give it everything I’ve got just as well as he is."

Bailey insists Norman just became the best defensive playmaker on a rising, young team.

But with his status as the league’s new gold standard for a corner comes commensurate expectations.

“Josh better be their best defensive player with how much they’re paying him," Bailey said. “It’s going to be a big season for him.

"I'm looking forward to watching him."