Report: Rams ‘leaning’ toward using franchise tag on Trumaine Johnson
According to a report, the Los Angeles Rams are “leaning” toward using their franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson.
The Los Angeles Rams have plenty of cap space heading into the new league year, but they also have some key free agents that they need to lock up as they get ready for the move into their new home in Los Angeles. Two big free agents the Rams have are cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins.
With close to $50 million in cap space, it is believed that the Rams should be able to retain both and work out contract extensions. They also have the option of using the franchise tag on one of the cornerbacks this season. While they could use the tag on either Johnson or Jenkins, it looks like the Rams are closing in on their choice.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Rams are “leaning” toward using the franchise tag on Johnson, which would make him among the top paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
#Rams are leaning toward franchise tagging CB Trumaine Johnson, sources say. A bit unexpected, but there is a lot of outside interest in him
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2016
The Rams have a talented young defense, but their cornerbacks really took a big step forward last season. Johnson was one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league and he’s quickly developing into a shutdown corner in this league. If the Rams can get Jenkins locked in as well, then they can proceed forward with building the rest of their team.
The Rams are going to be looking to make a splash in all areas with their move to Los Angeles. They have plenty of high draft choices and money to spend. Right now, it looks like they’re going to be allocating a good portion of that money to keep Johnson at cornerback.