diff --git a/example_localSign_test.go b/example_localSign_test.go
index 9672c02f..996784ce 100644
--- a/example_localSign_test.go
+++ b/example_localSign_test.go
@@ -47,8 +47,8 @@ func Example_localSign() {
 	// Users should replace `exampleCertTuple.PrivateKey` with their own private
 	// key and replace `exampleCerts` with the corresponding full certificate
 	// chain, following the Notary certificate requirements:
-	// https://github.com/notaryproject/notaryproject/blob/v1.0.0/specs/signature-specification.md#certificate-requirements
-	exampleSigner, err := signer.NewGenericSigner(exampleCertTuple.PrivateKey, exampleCerts)
+	// https://github.com/notaryproject/notaryproject/blob/v1.0.0-rc.1/specs/signature-specification.md#certificate-requirements
+	exampleSigner, err := signer.New(exampleCertTuple.PrivateKey, exampleCerts)
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err) // Handle error
 	}
diff --git a/example_remoteSign_test.go b/example_remoteSign_test.go
index 03565e98..9cf51058 100644
--- a/example_remoteSign_test.go
+++ b/example_remoteSign_test.go
@@ -18,13 +18,12 @@ import (
 	"crypto/x509"
 	"fmt"
 
-	"oras.land/oras-go/v2/registry/remote"
-
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-core-go/signature/cose"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-core-go/testhelper"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/registry"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/signer"
+	"oras.land/oras-go/v2/registry/remote"
 )
 
 // Both COSE ("application/cose") and JWS ("application/jose+json")
@@ -46,8 +45,8 @@ func Example_remoteSign() {
 	// Users should replace `exampleCertTuple.PrivateKey` with their own private
 	// key and replace `exampleCerts` with the corresponding full certificate
 	// chain, following the Notary certificate requirements:
-	// https://github.com/notaryproject/notaryproject/blob/v1.0.0/specs/signature-specification.md#certificate-requirements
-	exampleSigner, err := signer.NewGenericSigner(exampleCertTuple.PrivateKey, exampleCerts)
+	// https://github.com/notaryproject/notaryproject/blob/v1.0.0-rc.1/specs/signature-specification.md#certificate-requirements
+	exampleSigner, err := signer.New(exampleCertTuple.PrivateKey, exampleCerts)
 	if err != nil {
 		panic(err) // Handle error
 	}
diff --git a/notation.go b/notation.go
index e5738062..2e1cf603 100644
--- a/notation.go
+++ b/notation.go
@@ -22,8 +22,6 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"io"
-	"mime"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
 
@@ -31,8 +29,6 @@ import (
 	"oras.land/oras-go/v2/registry/remote"
 
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-core-go/signature"
-	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-core-go/signature/cose"
-	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-core-go/signature/jws"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/internal/envelope"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/log"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/registry"
@@ -48,7 +44,7 @@ var reservedAnnotationPrefixes = [...]string{"io.cncf.notary"}
 // SignerSignOptions contains parameters for Signer.Sign.
 type SignerSignOptions struct {
 	// SignatureMediaType is the envelope type of the signature.
-	// Currently, both `application/jose+json` and `application/cose` are
+	// Currently both `application/jose+json` and `application/cose` are
 	// supported.
 	SignatureMediaType string
 
@@ -63,37 +59,15 @@ type SignerSignOptions struct {
 	SigningAgent string
 }
 
-// Signer is a generic interface for signing an OCI artifact.
+// Signer is a generic interface for signing an artifact.
 // The interface allows signing with local or remote keys,
 // and packing in various signature formats.
 type Signer interface {
-	// Sign signs the OCI artifact described by its descriptor,
+	// Sign signs the artifact described by its descriptor,
 	// and returns the signature and SignerInfo.
 	Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error)
 }
 
-// SignBlobOptions contains parameters for notation.SignBlob.
-type SignBlobOptions struct {
-	SignerSignOptions
-	// ContentMediaType is the media-type of the blob being signed.
-	ContentMediaType string
-	// UserMetadata contains key-value pairs that are added to the signature
-	// payload
-	UserMetadata map[string]string
-}
-
-// BlobDescriptorGenerator creates descriptor using the digest Algorithm.
-type BlobDescriptorGenerator func(digest.Algorithm) (ocispec.Descriptor, error)
-
-// BlobSigner is a generic interface for signing arbitrary data.
-// The interface allows signing with local or remote keys,
-// and packing in various signature formats.
-type BlobSigner interface {
-	// SignBlob signs the descriptor returned by genDesc ,
-	// and returns the signature and SignerInfo
-	SignBlob(ctx context.Context, genDesc BlobDescriptorGenerator, opts SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error)
-}
-
 // signerAnnotation facilitates return of manifest annotations by signers
 type signerAnnotation interface {
 	// PluginAnnotations returns signature manifest annotations returned from
@@ -114,16 +88,22 @@ type SignOptions struct {
 	UserMetadata map[string]string
 }
 
-// Sign signs the OCI artifact and push the signature to the Repository.
-// The descriptor of the sign content is returned upon successful signing.
+// Sign signs the artifact and push the signature to the Repository.
+// The descriptor of the sign content is returned upon sucessful signing.
 func Sign(ctx context.Context, signer Signer, repo registry.Repository, signOpts SignOptions) (ocispec.Descriptor, error) {
 	// sanity check
-	if err := validateSignArguments(signer, signOpts.SignerSignOptions); err != nil {
-		return ocispec.Descriptor{}, err
+	if signer == nil {
+		return ocispec.Descriptor{}, errors.New("signer cannot be nil")
 	}
 	if repo == nil {
 		return ocispec.Descriptor{}, errors.New("repo cannot be nil")
 	}
+	if signOpts.ExpiryDuration < 0 {
+		return ocispec.Descriptor{}, fmt.Errorf("expiry duration cannot be a negative value")
+	}
+	if signOpts.ExpiryDuration%time.Second != 0 {
+		return ocispec.Descriptor{}, fmt.Errorf("expiry duration supports minimum granularity of seconds")
+	}
 
 	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
 	artifactRef := signOpts.ArtifactReference
@@ -179,50 +159,6 @@ func Sign(ctx context.Context, signer Signer, repo registry.Repository, signOpts
 	return targetDesc, nil
 }
 
-// SignBlob signs the arbitrary data and returns the signature
-func SignBlob(ctx context.Context, signer BlobSigner, blobReader io.Reader, signBlobOpts SignBlobOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
-	// sanity checks
-	if err := validateSignArguments(signer, signBlobOpts.SignerSignOptions); err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
-	if blobReader == nil {
-		return nil, nil, errors.New("blobReader cannot be nil")
-	}
-
-	if signBlobOpts.ContentMediaType == "" {
-		return nil, nil, errors.New("content media-type cannot be empty")
-	}
-
-	if _, _, err := mime.ParseMediaType(signBlobOpts.ContentMediaType); err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid content media-type '%s': %v", signBlobOpts.ContentMediaType, err)
-	}
-
-	getDescFunc := getDescriptorFunc(ctx, blobReader, signBlobOpts.ContentMediaType, signBlobOpts.UserMetadata)
-	return signer.SignBlob(ctx, getDescFunc, signBlobOpts.SignerSignOptions)
-}
-
-func validateSignArguments(signer any, signOpts SignerSignOptions) error {
-	if signer == nil {
-		return errors.New("signer cannot be nil")
-	}
-	if signOpts.ExpiryDuration < 0 {
-		return errors.New("expiry duration cannot be a negative value")
-	}
-	if signOpts.ExpiryDuration%time.Second != 0 {
-		return errors.New("expiry duration supports minimum granularity of seconds")
-	}
-	if signOpts.SignatureMediaType == "" {
-		return errors.New("signature media-type cannot be empty")
-	}
-
-	if !(signOpts.SignatureMediaType == jws.MediaTypeEnvelope || signOpts.SignatureMediaType == cose.MediaTypeEnvelope) {
-		return fmt.Errorf("invalid signature media-type '%s'", signOpts.SignatureMediaType)
-	}
-
-	return nil
-}
-
 func addUserMetadataToDescriptor(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, userMetadata map[string]string) (ocispec.Descriptor, error) {
 	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
 
@@ -307,7 +243,7 @@ func (outcome *VerificationOutcome) UserMetadata() (map[string]string, error) {
 
 // VerifierVerifyOptions contains parameters for Verifier.Verify.
 type VerifierVerifyOptions struct {
-	// ArtifactReference is the reference of the artifact that is being
+	// ArtifactReference is the reference of the artifact that is been
 	// verified against to. It must be a full reference.
 	ArtifactReference string
 
@@ -341,7 +277,7 @@ type verifySkipper interface {
 
 // VerifyOptions contains parameters for notation.Verify.
 type VerifyOptions struct {
-	// ArtifactReference is the reference of the artifact that is being
+	// ArtifactReference is the reference of the artifact that is been
 	// verified against to.
 	ArtifactReference string
 
@@ -520,19 +456,3 @@ func generateAnnotations(signerInfo *signature.SignerInfo, annotations map[strin
 	annotations[ocispec.AnnotationCreated] = signingTime.Format(time.RFC3339)
 	return annotations, nil
 }
-
-func getDescriptorFunc(ctx context.Context, reader io.Reader, contentMediaType string, userMetadata map[string]string) BlobDescriptorGenerator {
-	return func(hashAlgo digest.Algorithm) (ocispec.Descriptor, error) {
-		digester := hashAlgo.Digester()
-		bytes, err := io.Copy(digester.Hash(), reader)
-		if err != nil {
-			return ocispec.Descriptor{}, err
-		}
-		targetDesc := ocispec.Descriptor{
-			MediaType: contentMediaType,
-			Digest:    digester.Digest(),
-			Size:      bytes,
-		}
-		return addUserMetadataToDescriptor(ctx, targetDesc, userMetadata)
-	}
-}
diff --git a/notation_test.go b/notation_test.go
index 03ef24a5..32805d22 100644
--- a/notation_test.go
+++ b/notation_test.go
@@ -18,11 +18,9 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
-	"io"
 	"math"
 	"os"
 	"path/filepath"
-	"strings"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
@@ -35,7 +33,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/plugin"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/registry"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/verifier/trustpolicy"
-	"github.com/opencontainers/go-digest"
 	ocispec "github.com/opencontainers/image-spec/specs-go/v1"
 	"oras.land/oras-go/v2/registry/remote"
 )
@@ -55,7 +52,6 @@ func TestSignSuccess(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, tc := range testCases {
 		t.Run(tc.name, func(b *testing.T) {
 			opts := SignOptions{}
-			opts.SignatureMediaType = jws.MediaTypeEnvelope
 			opts.ExpiryDuration = tc.dur
 			opts.ArtifactReference = mock.SampleArtifactUri
 
@@ -67,91 +63,11 @@ func TestSignSuccess(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestSignBlobSuccess(t *testing.T) {
-	reader := strings.NewReader("some content")
-	testCases := []struct {
-		name     string
-		dur      time.Duration
-		mtype    string
-		agent    string
-		pConfig  map[string]string
-		metadata map[string]string
-	}{
-		{"expiryInHours", 24 * time.Hour, "video/mp4", "", nil, nil},
-		{"oneSecondExpiry", 1 * time.Second, "video/mp4", "", nil, nil},
-		{"zeroExpiry", 0, "video/mp4", "", nil, nil},
-		{"validContentType", 1 * time.Second, "video/mp4", "", nil, nil},
-		{"emptyContentType", 1 * time.Second, "video/mp4", "someDummyAgent", map[string]string{"hi": "hello"}, map[string]string{"bye": "tata"}},
-	}
-	for _, tc := range testCases {
-		t.Run(tc.name, func(b *testing.T) {
-			opts := SignBlobOptions{
-				SignerSignOptions: SignerSignOptions{
-					SignatureMediaType: jws.MediaTypeEnvelope,
-					ExpiryDuration:     tc.dur,
-					PluginConfig:       tc.pConfig,
-					SigningAgent:       tc.agent,
-				},
-				UserMetadata:     expectedMetadata,
-				ContentMediaType: tc.mtype,
-			}
-
-			_, _, err := SignBlob(context.Background(), &dummySigner{}, reader, opts)
-			if err != nil {
-				b.Fatalf("Sign failed with error: %v", err)
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-func TestSignBlobError(t *testing.T) {
-	reader := strings.NewReader("some content")
-	testCases := []struct {
-		name     string
-		signer   BlobSigner
-		dur      time.Duration
-		rdr      io.Reader
-		sigMType string
-		ctMType  string
-		errMsg   string
-	}{
-		{"negativeExpiry", &dummySigner{}, -1 * time.Second, nil, "video/mp4", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "expiry duration cannot be a negative value"},
-		{"milliSecExpiry", &dummySigner{}, 1 * time.Millisecond, nil, "video/mp4", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "expiry duration supports minimum granularity of seconds"},
-		{"invalidContentMediaType", &dummySigner{}, 1 * time.Second, reader, "video/mp4/zoping", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "invalid content media-type 'video/mp4/zoping': mime: unexpected content after media subtype"},
-		{"emptyContentMediaType", &dummySigner{}, 1 * time.Second, reader, "", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "content media-type cannot be empty"},
-		{"invalidSignatureMediaType", &dummySigner{}, 1 * time.Second, reader, "", "", "content media-type cannot be empty"},
-		{"nilReader", &dummySigner{}, 1 * time.Second, nil, "video/mp4", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "blobReader cannot be nil"},
-		{"nilSigner", nil, 1 * time.Second, reader, "video/mp4", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "signer cannot be nil"},
-		{"signerError", &dummySigner{fail: true}, 1 * time.Second, reader, "video/mp4", jws.MediaTypeEnvelope, "expected SignBlob failure"},
-	}
-	for _, tc := range testCases {
-		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			opts := SignBlobOptions{
-				SignerSignOptions: SignerSignOptions{
-					SignatureMediaType: jws.MediaTypeEnvelope,
-					ExpiryDuration:     tc.dur,
-					PluginConfig:       nil,
-				},
-				ContentMediaType: tc.sigMType,
-			}
-
-			_, _, err := SignBlob(context.Background(), tc.signer, tc.rdr, opts)
-			if err == nil {
-				t.Fatalf("expected error but didnt found")
-			}
-			if err.Error() != tc.errMsg {
-				t.Fatalf("expected err message to be '%s' but found '%s'", tc.errMsg, err.Error())
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
 func TestSignSuccessWithUserMetadata(t *testing.T) {
 	repo := mock.NewRepository()
 	opts := SignOptions{}
 	opts.ArtifactReference = mock.SampleArtifactUri
 	opts.UserMetadata = expectedMetadata
-	opts.SignatureMediaType = jws.MediaTypeEnvelope
 
 	_, err := Sign(context.Background(), &verifyMetadataSigner{}, repo, opts)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -374,9 +290,6 @@ func TestSignDigestNotMatchResolve(t *testing.T) {
 	repo := mock.NewRepository()
 	repo.MissMatchDigest = true
 	signOpts := SignOptions{
-		SignerSignOptions: SignerSignOptions{
-			SignatureMediaType: jws.MediaTypeEnvelope,
-		},
 		ArtifactReference: mock.SampleArtifactUri,
 	}
 
@@ -544,9 +457,7 @@ func dummyPolicyStatement() (policyStatement trustpolicy.TrustPolicy) {
 	return
 }
 
-type dummySigner struct {
-	fail bool
-}
+type dummySigner struct{}
 
 func (s *dummySigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
 	return []byte("ABC"), &signature.SignerInfo{
@@ -556,23 +467,6 @@ func (s *dummySigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts Si
 	}, nil
 }
 
-func (s *dummySigner) SignBlob(_ context.Context, descGenFunc BlobDescriptorGenerator, _ SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
-	if s.fail {
-		return nil, nil, errors.New("expected SignBlob failure")
-	}
-
-	_, err := descGenFunc(digest.SHA384)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
-	return []byte("ABC"), &signature.SignerInfo{
-		SignedAttributes: signature.SignedAttributes{
-			SigningTime: time.Now(),
-		},
-	}, nil
-}
-
 type verifyMetadataSigner struct{}
 
 func (s *verifyMetadataSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
diff --git a/signer/plugin.go b/signer/plugin.go
index 37bb352d..5187bf65 100644
--- a/signer/plugin.go
+++ b/signer/plugin.go
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ package signer
 
 import (
 	"context"
-	"crypto"
 	"crypto/x509"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"errors"
@@ -30,38 +29,22 @@ import (
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/log"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/plugin/proto"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-plugin-framework-go/plugin"
-	"github.com/opencontainers/go-digest"
 	ocispec "github.com/opencontainers/image-spec/specs-go/v1"
 )
 
-// PluginSigner signs artifacts and generates signatures.
+// pluginSigner signs artifacts and generates signatures.
 // It implements notation.Signer
-type PluginSigner struct {
+type pluginSigner struct {
 	plugin              plugin.SignPlugin
 	keyID               string
 	pluginConfig        map[string]string
 	manifestAnnotations map[string]string
 }
 
-var algorithms = map[crypto.Hash]digest.Algorithm{
-	crypto.SHA256: digest.SHA256,
-	crypto.SHA384: digest.SHA384,
-	crypto.SHA512: digest.SHA512,
-}
-
 // NewFromPlugin creates a notation.Signer that signs artifacts and generates
 // signatures by delegating the one or more operations to the named plugin,
 // as defined in https://github.com/notaryproject/notaryproject/blob/main/specs/plugin-extensibility.md#signing-interfaces.
-// Deprecated: NewFromPlugin function exists for historical compatibility and should not be used.
-// To create PluginSigner, use NewPluginSigner() function.
 func NewFromPlugin(plugin plugin.SignPlugin, keyID string, pluginConfig map[string]string) (notation.Signer, error) {
-	return NewPluginSigner(plugin, keyID, pluginConfig)
-}
-
-// NewPluginSigner creates a notation.Signer that signs artifacts and generates
-// signatures by delegating the one or more operations to the named plugin,
-// as defined in https://github.com/notaryproject/notaryproject/blob/main/specs/plugin-extensibility.md#signing-interfaces.
-func NewPluginSigner(plugin plugin.SignPlugin, keyID string, pluginConfig map[string]string) (*PluginSigner, error) {
 	if plugin == nil {
 		return nil, errors.New("nil plugin")
 	}
@@ -69,7 +52,7 @@ func NewPluginSigner(plugin plugin.SignPlugin, keyID string, pluginConfig map[st
 		return nil, errors.New("keyID not specified")
 	}
 
-	return &PluginSigner{
+	return &pluginSigner{
 		plugin:       plugin,
 		keyID:        keyID,
 		pluginConfig: pluginConfig,
@@ -77,91 +60,57 @@ func NewPluginSigner(plugin plugin.SignPlugin, keyID string, pluginConfig map[st
 }
 
 // PluginAnnotations returns signature manifest annotations returned from plugin
-func (s *PluginSigner) PluginAnnotations() map[string]string {
+func (s *pluginSigner) PluginAnnotations() map[string]string {
 	return s.manifestAnnotations
 }
 
 // Sign signs the artifact described by its descriptor and returns the
 // marshalled envelope.
-func (s *PluginSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
+func (s *pluginSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
 	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
-	mergedConfig := s.mergeConfig(opts.PluginConfig)
-
 	logger.Debug("Invoking plugin's get-plugin-metadata command")
-	metadata, err := s.plugin.GetMetadata(ctx, &plugin.GetMetadataRequest{PluginConfig: mergedConfig})
+	req := &plugin.GetMetadataRequest{
+		PluginConfig: s.mergeConfig(opts.PluginConfig),
+	}
+	metadata, err := s.plugin.GetMetadata(ctx, req)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
-	logger.Debugf("Using plugin %v with capabilities %v to sign oci artifact %v in signature media type %v", metadata.Name, metadata.Capabilities, desc.Digest, opts.SignatureMediaType)
+	logger.Debugf("Using plugin %v with capabilities %v to sign artifact %v in signature media type %v", metadata.Name, metadata.Capabilities, desc.Digest, opts.SignatureMediaType)
 	if metadata.HasCapability(plugin.CapabilitySignatureGenerator) {
-		ks, err := s.getKeySpec(ctx, mergedConfig)
-		if err != nil {
-			return nil, nil, err
-		}
-		return s.generateSignature(ctx, desc, opts, ks, metadata, mergedConfig)
+		return s.generateSignature(ctx, desc, opts, metadata)
 	} else if metadata.HasCapability(plugin.CapabilityEnvelopeGenerator) {
 		return s.generateSignatureEnvelope(ctx, desc, opts)
 	}
 	return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("plugin does not have signing capabilities")
 }
 
-// SignBlob signs the arbitrary data and returns the marshalled envelope.
-func (s *PluginSigner) SignBlob(ctx context.Context, descGenFunc notation.BlobDescriptorGenerator, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
+func (s *pluginSigner) generateSignature(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions, metadata *plugin.GetMetadataResponse) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
 	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
-	mergedConfig := s.mergeConfig(opts.PluginConfig)
-
-	logger.Debug("Invoking plugin's get-plugin-metadata command")
-	metadata, err := s.plugin.GetMetadata(ctx, &plugin.GetMetadataRequest{PluginConfig: mergedConfig})
+	logger.Debug("Generating signature by plugin")
+	config := s.mergeConfig(opts.PluginConfig)
+	// Get key info.
+	key, err := s.describeKey(ctx, config)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
-	logger.Debug("Invoking plugin's describe-key command")
-	ks, err := s.getKeySpec(ctx, mergedConfig)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
+	// Check keyID is honored.
+	if s.keyID != key.KeyID {
+		return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("keyID in describeKey response %q does not match request %q", key.KeyID, s.keyID)
 	}
-
-	// get descriptor to sign
-	desc, err := getDescriptor(ks, descGenFunc)
+	ks, err := proto.DecodeKeySpec(key.KeySpec)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, nil, err
 	}
 
-	logger.Debugf("Using plugin %v with capabilities %v to sign blob using descriptor %+v", metadata.Name, metadata.Capabilities, desc)
-	if metadata.HasCapability(plugin.CapabilitySignatureGenerator) {
-		return s.generateSignature(ctx, desc, opts, ks, metadata, mergedConfig)
-	} else if metadata.HasCapability(plugin.CapabilityEnvelopeGenerator) {
-		return s.generateSignatureEnvelope(ctx, desc, opts)
-	}
-	return nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("plugin does not have signing capabilities")
-}
-
-func (s *PluginSigner) getKeySpec(ctx context.Context, config map[string]string) (signature.KeySpec, error) {
-	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
-	logger.Debug("Invoking plugin's describe-key command")
-	descKeyResp, err := s.describeKey(ctx, config)
-	if err != nil {
-		return signature.KeySpec{}, err
-	}
-
-	if s.keyID != descKeyResp.KeyID {
-		return signature.KeySpec{}, fmt.Errorf("keyID in describeKey response %q does not match request %q", descKeyResp.KeyID, s.keyID)
-	}
-
-	return proto.DecodeKeySpec(descKeyResp.KeySpec)
-}
-
-func (s *PluginSigner) generateSignature(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions, ks signature.KeySpec, metadata *plugin.GetMetadataResponse, pluginConfig map[string]string) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
-	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
-	logger.Debug("Generating signature by plugin")
-	genericSigner := GenericSigner{
-		signer: &pluginPrimitiveSigner{
+	genericSigner := genericSigner{
+		Signer: &pluginPrimitiveSigner{
 			ctx:          ctx,
 			plugin:       s.plugin,
 			keyID:        s.keyID,
-			pluginConfig: pluginConfig,
+			pluginConfig: config,
 			keySpec:      ks,
 		},
 	}
@@ -170,7 +119,7 @@ func (s *PluginSigner) generateSignature(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descr
 	return genericSigner.Sign(ctx, desc, opts)
 }
 
-func (s *PluginSigner) generateSignatureEnvelope(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
+func (s *pluginSigner) generateSignatureEnvelope(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
 	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
 	logger.Debug("Generating signature envelope by plugin")
 	payload := envelope.Payload{TargetArtifact: envelope.SanitizeTargetArtifact(desc)}
@@ -233,7 +182,7 @@ func (s *PluginSigner) generateSignatureEnvelope(ctx context.Context, desc ocisp
 	return resp.SignatureEnvelope, &envContent.SignerInfo, nil
 }
 
-func (s *PluginSigner) mergeConfig(config map[string]string) map[string]string {
+func (s *pluginSigner) mergeConfig(config map[string]string) map[string]string {
 	c := make(map[string]string, len(s.pluginConfig)+len(config))
 	// First clone s.PluginConfig.
 	for k, v := range s.pluginConfig {
@@ -246,7 +195,7 @@ func (s *PluginSigner) mergeConfig(config map[string]string) map[string]string {
 	return c
 }
 
-func (s *PluginSigner) describeKey(ctx context.Context, config map[string]string) (*plugin.DescribeKeyResponse, error) {
+func (s *pluginSigner) describeKey(ctx context.Context, config map[string]string) (*plugin.DescribeKeyResponse, error) {
 	req := &plugin.DescribeKeyRequest{
 		ContractVersion: plugin.ContractVersion,
 		KeyID:           s.keyID,
diff --git a/signer/plugin_test.go b/signer/plugin_test.go
index 634df66f..c3dd2b30 100644
--- a/signer/plugin_test.go
+++ b/signer/plugin_test.go
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ import (
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/internal/envelope"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/plugin"
 	"github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/plugin/proto"
-	"github.com/opencontainers/go-digest"
 	ocispec "github.com/opencontainers/image-spec/specs-go/v1"
 )
 
@@ -71,16 +70,6 @@ type mockPlugin struct {
 	keySpec           signature.KeySpec
 }
 
-func getDescriptorFunc(throwError bool) func(hashAlgo digest.Algorithm) (ocispec.Descriptor, error) {
-	return func(hashAlgo digest.Algorithm) (ocispec.Descriptor, error) {
-		if throwError {
-			return ocispec.Descriptor{}, errors.New("")
-		}
-		return validSignDescriptor, nil
-	}
-
-}
-
 func newMockPlugin(key crypto.PrivateKey, certs []*x509.Certificate, keySpec signature.KeySpec) *mockPlugin {
 	return &mockPlugin{
 		key:     key,
@@ -147,7 +136,7 @@ func (p *mockPlugin) GenerateSignature(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GenerateS
 
 // GenerateEnvelope generates the Envelope with signature based on the request.
 func (p *mockPlugin) GenerateEnvelope(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GenerateEnvelopeRequest) (*proto.GenerateEnvelopeResponse, error) {
-	internalPluginSigner := PluginSigner{
+	internalPluginSigner := pluginSigner{
 		plugin: newMockPlugin(p.key, p.certs, p.keySpec),
 	}
 
@@ -217,34 +206,15 @@ func (p *mockPlugin) GenerateEnvelope(ctx context.Context, req *proto.GenerateEn
 }
 
 func TestNewFromPluginFailed(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := map[string]struct {
-		pl     plugin.SignPlugin
-		keyID  string
-		errMsg string
-	}{
-		"Invalid KeyID": {
-			pl:     &plugin.CLIPlugin{},
-			keyID:  "",
-			errMsg: "keyID not specified",
-		},
-		"nilPlugin": {
-			pl:     nil,
-			keyID:  "someKeyId",
-			errMsg: "nil plugin",
-		},
-	}
-	for name, tc := range tests {
-		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			_, err := NewFromPlugin(tc.pl, tc.keyID, make(map[string]string))
-			if err == nil || err.Error() != tc.errMsg {
-				t.Fatalf("TestNewFromPluginFailed expects error %q, got %q", tc.errMsg, err.Error())
-			}
-		})
+	wantErr := "keyID not specified"
+	_, err := NewFromPlugin(&plugin.CLIPlugin{}, "", make(map[string]string))
+	if err == nil || err.Error() != wantErr {
+		t.Fatalf("TestNewFromPluginFailed expects error %q, got %q", wantErr, err.Error())
 	}
 }
 
 func TestSigner_Sign_EnvelopeNotSupported(t *testing.T) {
-	signer := PluginSigner{
+	signer := pluginSigner{
 		plugin: newMockPlugin(nil, nil, signature.KeySpec{Type: signature.KeyTypeRSA, Size: 2048}),
 	}
 	opts := notation.SignerSignOptions{SignatureMediaType: "unsupported"}
@@ -255,7 +225,7 @@ func TestSigner_Sign_DescribeKeyIDMismatch(t *testing.T) {
 	respKeyId := ""
 	for _, envelopeType := range signature.RegisteredEnvelopeTypes() {
 		t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("envelopeType=%v", envelopeType), func(t *testing.T) {
-			signer := PluginSigner{
+			signer := pluginSigner{
 				plugin: newMockPlugin(nil, nil, signature.KeySpec{}),
 				keyID:  "1",
 			}
@@ -268,7 +238,7 @@ func TestSigner_Sign_ExpiryInValid(t *testing.T) {
 	for _, envelopeType := range signature.RegisteredEnvelopeTypes() {
 		t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("envelopeType=%v", envelopeType), func(t *testing.T) {
 			ks, _ := signature.ExtractKeySpec(keyCertPairCollections[0].certs[0])
-			signer := PluginSigner{
+			signer := pluginSigner{
 				plugin: newMockPlugin(keyCertPairCollections[0].key, keyCertPairCollections[0].certs, ks),
 			}
 			_, _, err := signer.Sign(context.Background(), ocispec.Descriptor{}, notation.SignerSignOptions{ExpiryDuration: -24 * time.Hour, SignatureMediaType: envelopeType})
@@ -285,7 +255,7 @@ func TestSigner_Sign_InvalidCertChain(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("envelopeType=%v", envelopeType), func(t *testing.T) {
 			mockPlugin := newMockPlugin(defaultKeyCert.key, defaultKeyCert.certs, defaultKeySpec)
 			mockPlugin.invalidCertChain = true
-			signer := PluginSigner{
+			signer := pluginSigner{
 				plugin: mockPlugin,
 			}
 			testSignerError(t, signer, "x509: malformed certificate", notation.SignerSignOptions{SignatureMediaType: envelopeType})
@@ -299,7 +269,7 @@ func TestSigner_Sign_InvalidDescriptor(t *testing.T) {
 			mockPlugin := newMockPlugin(defaultKeyCert.key, defaultKeyCert.certs, defaultKeySpec)
 			mockPlugin.wantEnvelope = true
 			mockPlugin.invalidDescriptor = true
-			signer := PluginSigner{
+			signer := pluginSigner{
 				plugin: mockPlugin,
 			}
 			testSignerError(t, signer, "during signing, following unknown attributes were added to subject descriptor: [\"additional_field\"]", notation.SignerSignOptions{SignatureMediaType: envelopeType})
@@ -312,7 +282,7 @@ func TestPluginSigner_Sign_SignatureVerifyError(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("envelopeType=%v", envelopeType), func(t *testing.T) {
 			mockPlugin := newMockPlugin(defaultKeyCert.key, defaultKeyCert.certs, defaultKeySpec)
 			mockPlugin.invalidSig = true
-			signer := PluginSigner{
+			signer := pluginSigner{
 				plugin: mockPlugin,
 			}
 			testSignerError(t, signer, "signature is invalid", notation.SignerSignOptions{SignatureMediaType: envelopeType})
@@ -325,28 +295,10 @@ func TestPluginSigner_Sign_Valid(t *testing.T) {
 		for _, keyCert := range keyCertPairCollections {
 			t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("external plugin,envelopeType=%v_keySpec=%v", envelopeType, keyCert.keySpecName), func(t *testing.T) {
 				keySpec, _ := proto.DecodeKeySpec(proto.KeySpec(keyCert.keySpecName))
-				pluginSigner := PluginSigner{
-					plugin: newMockPlugin(keyCert.key, keyCert.certs, keySpec),
-				}
-				validSignOpts.SignatureMediaType = envelopeType
-				data, signerInfo, err := pluginSigner.Sign(context.Background(), validSignDescriptor, validSignOpts)
-				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, data, signerInfo, err)
-			})
-		}
-	}
-}
-
-func TestPluginSigner_SignBlob_Valid(t *testing.T) {
-	for _, envelopeType := range signature.RegisteredEnvelopeTypes() {
-		for _, keyCert := range keyCertPairCollections {
-			t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("external plugin,envelopeType=%v_keySpec=%v", envelopeType, keyCert.keySpecName), func(t *testing.T) {
-				keySpec, _ := proto.DecodeKeySpec(proto.KeySpec(keyCert.keySpecName))
-				pluginSigner := PluginSigner{
+				pluginSigner := pluginSigner{
 					plugin: newMockPlugin(keyCert.key, keyCert.certs, keySpec),
 				}
-				validSignOpts.SignatureMediaType = envelopeType
-				data, signerInfo, err := pluginSigner.SignBlob(context.Background(), getDescriptorFunc(false), validSignOpts)
-				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, data, signerInfo, err)
+				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, &validMetadata)
 			})
 		}
 	}
@@ -359,7 +311,7 @@ func TestPluginSigner_SignEnvelope_RunFailed(t *testing.T) {
 				wantEnvelope: true,
 				failEnvelope: true,
 			}
-			signer := PluginSigner{
+			signer := pluginSigner{
 				plugin: p,
 			}
 			testSignerError(t, signer, "failed GenerateEnvelope", notation.SignerSignOptions{SignatureMediaType: envelopeType})
@@ -374,12 +326,10 @@ func TestPluginSigner_SignEnvelope_Valid(t *testing.T) {
 				keySpec, _ := proto.DecodeKeySpec(proto.KeySpec(keyCert.keySpecName))
 				mockPlugin := newMockPlugin(keyCert.key, keyCert.certs, keySpec)
 				mockPlugin.wantEnvelope = true
-				pluginSigner := PluginSigner{
+				pluginSigner := pluginSigner{
 					plugin: mockPlugin,
 				}
-				validSignOpts.SignatureMediaType = envelopeType
-				data, signerInfo, err := pluginSigner.Sign(context.Background(), validSignDescriptor, validSignOpts)
-				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, data, signerInfo, err)
+				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, &validMetadata)
 			})
 		}
 	}
@@ -391,7 +341,7 @@ func TestPluginSigner_SignWithAnnotations_Valid(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("external plugin,envelopeType=%v_keySpec=%v", envelopeType, keyCert.keySpecName), func(t *testing.T) {
 				keySpec, _ := proto.DecodeKeySpec(proto.KeySpec(keyCert.keySpecName))
 				annts := map[string]string{"key": "value"}
-				pluginSigner := PluginSigner{
+				pluginSigner := pluginSigner{
 					plugin: &mockPlugin{
 						key:          keyCert.key,
 						certs:        keyCert.certs,
@@ -400,9 +350,7 @@ func TestPluginSigner_SignWithAnnotations_Valid(t *testing.T) {
 						wantEnvelope: true,
 					},
 				}
-				validSignOpts.SignatureMediaType = envelopeType
-				data, signerInfo, err := pluginSigner.Sign(context.Background(), validSignDescriptor, validSignOpts)
-				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, data, signerInfo, err)
+				basicSignTest(t, &pluginSigner, envelopeType, &validMetadata)
 				if !reflect.DeepEqual(pluginSigner.PluginAnnotations(), annts) {
 					fmt.Println(pluginSigner.PluginAnnotations())
 					t.Errorf("mismatch in annotations returned from PluginAnnotations()")
@@ -412,7 +360,7 @@ func TestPluginSigner_SignWithAnnotations_Valid(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func testSignerError(t *testing.T, signer PluginSigner, wantEr string, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) {
+func testSignerError(t *testing.T, signer pluginSigner, wantEr string, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) {
 	t.Helper()
 	_, _, err := signer.Sign(context.Background(), ocispec.Descriptor{}, opts)
 	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), wantEr) {
@@ -420,7 +368,9 @@ func testSignerError(t *testing.T, signer PluginSigner, wantEr string, opts nota
 	}
 }
 
-func basicSignTest(t *testing.T, ps *PluginSigner, envelopeType string, data []byte, signerInfo *signature.SignerInfo, err error) {
+func basicSignTest(t *testing.T, pluginSigner *pluginSigner, envelopeType string, metadata *proto.GetMetadataResponse) {
+	validSignOpts.SignatureMediaType = envelopeType
+	data, signerInfo, err := pluginSigner.Sign(context.Background(), validSignDescriptor, validSignOpts)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Signer.Sign() error = %v, wantErr nil", err)
 	}
@@ -449,12 +399,12 @@ func basicSignTest(t *testing.T, ps *PluginSigner, envelopeType string, data []b
 		TargetArtifact: validSignDescriptor,
 	}
 	if !reflect.DeepEqual(expectedPayload, gotPayload) {
-		t.Fatalf("Signer.Sign() descriptor subject changed, expect: %+v, got: %+v", expectedPayload, payload)
+		t.Fatalf("Signer.Sign() descriptor subject changed, expect: %v, got: %v", expectedPayload, payload)
 	}
 	if signerInfo.SignedAttributes.SigningScheme != signature.SigningSchemeX509 {
-		t.Fatalf("Signer.Sign() signing scheme changed, expect: %+v, got: %+v", signerInfo.SignedAttributes.SigningScheme, signature.SigningSchemeX509)
+		t.Fatalf("Signer.Sign() signing scheme changed, expect: %v, got: %v", signerInfo.SignedAttributes.SigningScheme, signature.SigningSchemeX509)
 	}
-	mockPlugin := ps.plugin.(*mockPlugin)
+	mockPlugin := pluginSigner.plugin.(*mockPlugin)
 	if mockPlugin.keySpec.SignatureAlgorithm() != signerInfo.SignatureAlgorithm {
 		t.Fatalf("Signer.Sign() signing algorithm changed")
 	}
@@ -464,5 +414,5 @@ func basicSignTest(t *testing.T, ps *PluginSigner, envelopeType string, data []b
 	if !reflect.DeepEqual(mockPlugin.certs, signerInfo.CertificateChain) {
 		t.Fatalf(" Signer.Sign() cert chain changed")
 	}
-	basicVerification(t, data, envelopeType, mockPlugin.certs[len(mockPlugin.certs)-1], &validMetadata)
+	basicVerification(t, data, envelopeType, mockPlugin.certs[len(mockPlugin.certs)-1], metadata)
 }
diff --git a/signer/signer.go b/signer/signer.go
index 05d0ea8c..cefc7788 100644
--- a/signer/signer.go
+++ b/signer/signer.go
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 
 // Package signer provides notation signing functionality. It implements the
 // notation.Signer interface by providing builtinSigner for local signing and
-// PluginSigner for remote signing.
+// pluginSigner for remote signing.
 package signer
 
 import (
@@ -36,36 +36,24 @@ import (
 // signingAgent is the unprotected header field used by signature.
 const signingAgent = "Notation/1.0.0"
 
-// GenericSigner implements notation.Signer and embeds signature.Signer
-type GenericSigner struct {
-	signer signature.Signer
+// genericSigner implements notation.Signer and embeds signature.Signer
+type genericSigner struct {
+	signature.Signer
 }
 
 // New returns a builtinSigner given key and cert chain
-// Deprecated: New function exists for historical compatibility and should not be used.
-// To create GenericSigner, use NewGenericSigner() function.
 func New(key crypto.PrivateKey, certChain []*x509.Certificate) (notation.Signer, error) {
-	return NewGenericSigner(key, certChain)
-}
-
-// NewGenericSigner returns a builtinSigner given key and cert chain
-func NewGenericSigner(key crypto.PrivateKey, certChain []*x509.Certificate) (*GenericSigner, error) {
 	localSigner, err := signature.NewLocalSigner(certChain, key)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
-	return &GenericSigner{
-		signer: localSigner,
+	return &genericSigner{
+		Signer: localSigner,
 	}, nil
 }
 
 // NewFromFiles returns a builtinSigner given key and certChain paths.
 func NewFromFiles(keyPath, certChainPath string) (notation.Signer, error) {
-	return NewGenericSignerFromFiles(keyPath, certChainPath)
-}
-
-// NewGenericSignerFromFiles returns a builtinSigner given key and certChain paths.
-func NewGenericSignerFromFiles(keyPath, certChainPath string) (*GenericSigner, error) {
 	if keyPath == "" {
 		return nil, errors.New("key path not specified")
 	}
@@ -92,12 +80,12 @@ func NewGenericSignerFromFiles(keyPath, certChainPath string) (*GenericSigner, e
 	}
 
 	// create signer
-	return NewGenericSigner(cert.PrivateKey, certs)
+	return New(cert.PrivateKey, certs)
 }
 
 // Sign signs the artifact described by its descriptor and returns the
 // marshalled envelope.
-func (s *GenericSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
+func (s *genericSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
 	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
 	logger.Debugf("Generic signing for %v in signature media type %v", desc.Digest, opts.SignatureMediaType)
 	// Generate payload to be signed.
@@ -118,7 +106,7 @@ func (s *GenericSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts
 			ContentType: envelope.MediaTypePayloadV1,
 			Content:     payloadBytes,
 		},
-		Signer:        s.signer,
+		Signer:        s.Signer,
 		SigningTime:   time.Now(),
 		SigningScheme: signature.SigningSchemeX509,
 		SigningAgent:  signingAgentId,
@@ -158,30 +146,3 @@ func (s *GenericSigner) Sign(ctx context.Context, desc ocispec.Descriptor, opts
 	// TODO: re-enable timestamping https://github.com/notaryproject/notation-go/issues/78
 	return sig, &envContent.SignerInfo, nil
 }
-
-// SignBlob signs the descriptor returned by blobGen and returns the marshalled envelope
-func (s *GenericSigner) SignBlob(ctx context.Context, descGenFunc notation.BlobDescriptorGenerator, opts notation.SignerSignOptions) ([]byte, *signature.SignerInfo, error) {
-	logger := log.GetLogger(ctx)
-	logger.Debugf("Generic blob signing for signature media type %v", opts.SignatureMediaType)
-
-	ks, err := s.signer.KeySpec()
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
-	desc, err := getDescriptor(ks, descGenFunc)
-	if err != nil {
-		return nil, nil, err
-	}
-
-	return s.Sign(ctx, desc, opts)
-}
-
-func getDescriptor(ks signature.KeySpec, descGenFunc notation.BlobDescriptorGenerator) (ocispec.Descriptor, error) {
-	digestAlg, ok := algorithms[ks.SignatureAlgorithm().Hash()]
-	if !ok {
-		return ocispec.Descriptor{}, fmt.Errorf("unknown hashing algo %v", ks.SignatureAlgorithm().Hash())
-	}
-
-	return descGenFunc(digestAlg)
-}
diff --git a/signer/signer_test.go b/signer/signer_test.go
index 31e16ca5..c8d0ae38 100644
--- a/signer/signer_test.go
+++ b/signer/signer_test.go
@@ -168,41 +168,6 @@ func TestNewFromFiles(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestNewFromFilesError(t *testing.T) {
-	tests := map[string]struct {
-		keyPath  string
-		certPath string
-		errMsg   string
-	}{
-		"empty key path": {
-			keyPath:  "",
-			certPath: "someCert",
-			errMsg:   "key path not specified",
-		},
-		"empty cert path": {
-			keyPath:  "someKeyId",
-			certPath: "",
-			errMsg:   "certificate path not specified",
-		},
-	}
-	for name, tc := range tests {
-		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			_, err := NewFromFiles(tc.keyPath, tc.certPath)
-			if err == nil || err.Error() != tc.errMsg {
-				t.Fatalf("TestNewFromPluginFailed expects error %q, got %q", tc.errMsg, err.Error())
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
-func TestNewError(t *testing.T) {
-	wantErr := "\"certs\" param is invalid. Error: empty certs"
-	_, err := New(nil, nil)
-	if err == nil || err.Error() != wantErr {
-		t.Fatalf("TestNewFromPluginFailed expects error %q, got %q", wantErr, err.Error())
-	}
-}
-
 func TestSignWithCertChain(t *testing.T) {
 	// sign with key
 	for _, envelopeType := range signature.RegisteredEnvelopeTypes() {
@@ -214,31 +179,6 @@ func TestSignWithCertChain(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestSignBlobWithCertChain(t *testing.T) {
-	// sign with key
-	for _, envelopeType := range signature.RegisteredEnvelopeTypes() {
-		for _, keyCert := range keyCertPairCollections {
-			t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("envelopeType=%v_keySpec=%v", envelopeType, keyCert.keySpecName), func(t *testing.T) {
-				s, err := NewGenericSigner(keyCert.key, keyCert.certs)
-				if err != nil {
-					t.Fatalf("NewSigner() error = %v", err)
-				}
-
-				sOpts := notation.SignerSignOptions{
-					SignatureMediaType: envelopeType,
-				}
-				sig, _, err := s.SignBlob(context.Background(), getDescriptorFunc(false), sOpts)
-				if err != nil {
-					t.Fatalf("Sign() error = %v", err)
-				}
-
-				// basic verification
-				basicVerification(t, sig, envelopeType, keyCert.certs[len(keyCert.certs)-1], nil)
-			})
-		}
-	}
-}
-
 func TestSignWithoutExpiry(t *testing.T) {
 	// sign with key
 	for _, envelopeType := range signature.RegisteredEnvelopeTypes() {