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NFL franchise tag players: Who gets signed?

By Matt Verderame

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) in the field during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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(EDITORS NOTE: CAPTION CORRECTION) Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) reacts after a defensive stand against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
(EDITORS NOTE: CAPTION CORRECTION) Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) reacts after a defensive stand against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Trumaine Johnson

The Los Angeles Rams had a tough decision to make at the beginning of the offseason with both Johnson and Janoris Jenkins set to hit the free-agent market for the first time in their careers. general manager Les Snead swallowed hard and chose to tag Johnson, allowing Jenkins to hit the market and eventually sign a big-money deal with the New York Giants.

Snead made the right call with Johnson, who looks to be part of the next bumper crop of nice corners. Last year, Johnson nabbed seven interceptions after logging eight in his first three seasons with the Rams. It was the perfect time to step up for Johnson, who now is sitting on a franchise tag worth more than $13.9 million in 2016.

Johnson signed the tag but is still trying to land a long-term deal to stay in Los Angeles. Snead has to make it happen, with the NFL being a passing league more than ever. Johnson also allows the defense to do more with exotic pressures up front, knowing that the other team’s top receiver is locked down without help.

Verdict: Signs a six-year, $66 million deal with $31 million guaranteed

Next: Eric Berry

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