ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins passed up opportunities to pursue players early in free agency. Once again, that didn’t prevent them from landing a big name. It’s what they’ve now done each of the past three offseasons -- and each time they landed a player they hope can make a huge impact.

Two years ago it was receiver DeSean Jackson, released after free agency began by Philadelphia.

Last summer it was linebacker Junior Galette, released close to the start of training camp.

And now it’s corner Josh Norman, who had the franchise tag rescinded by Carolina.

Jackson has provided what the Redskins hoped he would: a speed threat on the outside who opens up the field for others. He doesn’t always need to make huge catches to help the Redskins; sometimes he does that just by clearing out an area. Regardless, he’s done what they’ve wanted.

Galette, had he stayed healthy, likely would have as well. But they have him back for another season, and if he’s his old self, then the Redskins have an immediate major upgrade to their pass rush.

As for Norman, he’s a legitimate No. 1 corner who, one coach texted me this morning, is a legitimate top-four player at the position. That’s not tough to debate given how he played last season, but considering it was his first year at that level, the point is the coach didn’t view him as a fluke or just a system guy. He liked Norman's length, competitiveness and ball skills, all of which are evident when watching his play last season.

But another coach asked one big question: What did Norman do before last season? And another: How much was it the result of playing with the right defensive front -- and the fact that he was in a contract year? The coach wasn’t sold that this was a wise move, not for $15 million per season. The Redskins have a history of failed moves.

The Redskins must feel rather comfortable with the answer. Norman follows the pattern of what general manager Scot McCloughan wants in a player: someone with an attitude and a playmaker. Norman was just that last season, with four interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. But he was not that guy his first three seasons; what does that mean? We’ll find out in 2016.

But for the Redskins, right now is a chance to dream of a defense that has a healthy Galette and a Norman every bit as good as last season and a rookie, or several, who will be selected in next week's draft. It’s a chance to dream of a defense that can take a big step up. It’s been a long time since Washington has had a legitimate top-10 group.

Signing Norman allows the Redskins to enter training camp knowing they have two strong, healthy corners along with Bashaud Breeland. If Chris Culliver's knee isn’t ready, they’re OK. If it is, they’re even better. Considering how often they play nickel coverages (at least 70 percent of the time), having three excellent corners would be a major boost, for the coverage and the rush.

McCloughan always talks about what he has learned from various stops. Not rushing into free agency? A Green Bay staple. Not afraid of personalities? Seattle. One player McCloughan loved in Seattle: Richard Sherman. McCloughan was just fine taking the patient approach, so for him to pounce on Norman as he did speaks volumes. At this point, it’s about trusting a guy who has mostly made the right moves thus far in Washington.

The Redskins clearly wanted Norman badly and resorted out old-school methods: flying him in on a private jet with some defensive coaches on the plane, for example. Even Hall of Fame corner Darrell Green was at Redskins Park on Friday. It might have been a coincidence; he’s there often. But it certainly couldn't have hurt to have him around. Norman clearly wanted to be here, too, bringing family members, including his mother, publicists and financial advisors.

It definitely was a day that was a throwback to an era when the Redskins pursued the Josh Normans of the world with regularity. Those moves rarely worked out (the list of evidence is too long) so you’ll forgive Redskins fans from not crossing every toe and finger in the hope that this time is different. Because if it is, the Redskins will be in good shape.