Josh Norman becomes free agent after Panthers pull franchise tag

Josh Norman, one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday after the Carolina Panthers surprisingly rescinded their non-exclusive franchise tag offer to the All-Pro and wished him well.

Norman, 28, elected not to sign the offer from the Panthers which would have paid him $13.9 million in 2016 while holding out for a long-term contract. The two sides could never agree on monetary compensation.

Now Norman can sign with any team.

A former fifth-round draft pick, Norman had a career-high four interceptions and helped the NFC champion Panthers lead the NFL in interceptions (24), takeaways (39), points off turnovers (148) last season. He also had 16 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Etc.

The Indianapolis Colts signed offensive tackles Kevin Graf and Mitchell Van Dyk on Wednesday.

Graf split time on the Philadelphia Eagles’ active roster and practice squad in 2014 before he was waived last August. The 6-foot-6, 309-pound USC product was originally an undrafted free agent. He has never played in an NFL game.

The 6-7, 299-pound Van Dyk spent all of last season on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ injured reserve list.