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The 49ers were mentioned as an early entrant in the chase for cornerback Josh Norman’s services and reports still have them at the front of the pack a day after Norman’s franchise tag was rescinded by the Panthers.

According to multiple reports, they have some company on the other side of the country.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Redskins have joined the 49ers as a “frontrunner” to sign Norman in the wake of his split with the Panthers. Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports reports the Redskins have made a “legit offer” to Norman already and terms the 49ers’ interest as “very strong” at this point.

The 49ers definitely have the cap room to make a major play for Norman and he’d be a big upgrade on their current cornerbacks. The Redskins’ need is less acute, although Norman would certainly make their defense more imposing than it looks at present. They also have less cap space at their disposal, although there are plenty of ways to structure a deal and reorganize other deals to fit Norman into the roster.