Carolina Panthers player is terrorizing offenses, and it's going to pay off big time in free agency

27-year-old cornerback Josh Norman is leading the charge for the Carolina Panthers, one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.

A fifth-round pick in 2012, Norman is having a huge season for the Panthers, and has played a big part in making them the fifth-best pass defense in the league.

Through three games, Norman had two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six in Week 1, and the second was a game-clinching pick of Saints quarterback Luke McCown in Week 3.

In the opening minutes of Week 4, Norman picked off Jameis Winston and returned it for a touchdown:

According to ProFootball Focus, Norman has been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL this season. He's the sixth-highest targeted corner in the league, but has yet to surrender a 50-yard game to an opponent, and has earned PFF's second-best grade among cornerbackers.

He's also the first defensive player with two touchdowns this season, according to ESPN.

For Norman, the timing couldn't be better. He's set to hit free agency this offseason, and recent history shows teams are willing to spend on top cornerbacks.

The NFL world is already anticipating a big pay day for Norman:

As John Clayton noted, Byron Maxwell was given a six-year, $63 million contract from the Eagles this past offseason, and he's hardly the first top cornerback to make big money. The Jets gave Darrelle Revis a five-year, $70 million deal this past offseason. Richard Sherman got a four-year, $56 million extension in 2014, and Patrick Peterson got a five-year, $70 million extension last season, too.

Norman, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December, is currently making $1.5 million this season.

If he keeps up this current pace, Norman could be looking at a huge payday this offseason.