Trumaine Johnson franchise tagged by Los Angeles Rams
Wednesday 2 March 2016 13:59, UK
After much debate on which cornerback the Los Angeles Rams would use their franchise tag on, the club have gone with Trumaine Johnson.
It was never in any doubt over which position the franchise would tag, but whether it would be Johnson or Janoris Jenkins was a subject that split opinions.
In the end, the Rams have selected Johnson, who had a solid 2015 season, recording 58 tackles and seven interceptions. It is likely that the club will look to thrash out a long-term deal with the player.
The decision casts serious doubt on the future of fellow corner Jenkins, who fired his agent on Sunday as negotiations stalled.
However, the Rams do have over $50m in salary-cap space after cutting the experienced trio of Chris Long, James Laurinaitis and Jared Cook. So, could still lock-up Jenkins to a big contract, although it is more likely he will test the free agency market.
Jenkins, Rodney McLeod and Mark Barron could all command significant salaries, but Rams general manager Les Snead is hopeful of retaining them all.
"It's a tough task, but it's realistic," Snead said.
"I don't think it's not realistic, especially considering the cap room and things like that."
