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The Rams have made their decision between their free agent cornerbacks.

And they picked the one with the agent at the moment.

According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, the Rams have chosen to use the franchise tag on Trumaine Johnson, guaranteeing him $13.952 million as soon as he signs. They can still do a long-term deal between now and July 15.

That means they didn’t elect to use it on Janoris Jenkins, a process made more complicated when Jenkins fired his agent over the weekend, leaving him in negotiation limbo.

Johnson is the bigger player of the two, and apparently they deemed him tougher to replace, since Jenkins is now free to test the market.


Now what? Jenkins hit's the market. I think 4 yrs 14 per would get both.

That was the right move. Its shows the Rams have a plan and are sticking to it. They may be able to retain Jenks but I have a feeling some team is going to overpay for his services. Time for EJ to step up and I'm sure that CB will be addressed in the draft now.

Good get '77.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-sn- ... story.html

Rams put franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson



Gary Klein

With the start of free agency set to commence next week, the Rams have applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to cornerback Trumaine Johnson.

The deadline for applying the franchise or transition tag to unrestricted free agents was 4 p.m. EST.

Johnson, 26, intercepted seven passes last season. The salary for cornerbacks who receive the franchise tag will be about $14 million this season. The player and team have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal.

If Johnson signs with another team, the Rams would receive two No. 1 draft picks as compensation.

Johnson was a third-round draft pick from Montana in 2012.

He has played opposite Janoris Jenkins, 27, who is also among the Rams’ unrestricted free agents. Jenkins also was regarded as a potential candidate to get the lone franchise tag. Jenkins fired his agent last weekend and, under NFL rules, must wait five days to hire a new one.

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Agents for unrestricted free agents can begin negotiating -- but not sign contracts -- on March 7. The free-agency signing period begins March 9.

It was probably a tough choice. And it was probably the right one.If Jenkins just goes with highest bidder no matter who it is, which is what most people think will happen, I don't see the team getting into a bidding war. The Rams have options. Gaines, Joyner and Roberson are younger and improving. If Jenkins walks, we'll still be a solid defense.

Does the tag mean they are done negotiating? I would have to imagine Trumaine would have preferred a deal to his liking. Sure it's a fat pay raise but not long term. Could be that JJ doesn't look at this as a sweetheart move not to mention he was the one left out. Let's hope not all is how it might appear or we are going to see an EJ instead of a JJ in the backfield.

The Rams can negotiate with Tru while tagged and try for a multi-year deal, which i'm sure both sides would prefer.

And of course we can resume negotiations with JJ when his 5 day new agent waiting period is over...

They better watch out how much they pay considering the new QB pay scale and the fact that we need one.

They still need to sign McCleod, Barron and Hayes. And how about their LB depth? This team is going to hang its hat on the defense. You don't want too many changes on the defense. Another year and these guys might be more consistent. There were times when they were downright dominant.

snackdaddy wrote:They still need to sign McCleod, Barron and Hayes. And how about their LB depth? This team is going to hang its hat on the defense. You don't want too many changes on the defense. Another year and these guys might be more consistent. There were times when they were downright dominant.

Love to see these guys stick together. I believe they would dominate. Man these salaries.