The Los Angeles Rams have elected to use their franchise tag on CB Trumaine Johnson, according to Jason La Canfora.
This means that CB Janoris Jenkins is now in position to test the open market.
Earlier in the day, a report mentioned that the Rams could be leaning towards franchising Jenkins after contract talks regarding an extension haven’t gone well in recent weeks. However, it looks like they’ll take their chances with Jenkins in free agency.
The franchise tag will run the Rams $13.952 million fully guaranteed for the 2016 season, but won’t prevent them from negotiating a long-term deal that would reduce this figure and offer them some additional cap space
Jenkins, 26, was taken in the second round of the 2012 draft and was in line to be one of the best available cornerbacks in this year’s free agent market. He made a base salary of just $660,000 for the 2015 season, so you can see that he’s in line for a substantial raise next year.
In 2015, Jenkins appeared in 15 games and recorded 64 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and 15 pass defenses for the Rams. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 26 cornerback out of 111 qualifying players.
Johnson, 26, is a former third-round pick of the Rams back in 2012. He’s played out his rookie contract and is now in position to be one of the best available cornerbacks in this year’s free agent class.
In 2015, Johnson appeared in 14 games and recorded 71 tackles, seven interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown, a fumble recovery and 17 pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 19 cornerback out of 111 qualifying players.
We have both players featured in our Top 100 – 2016 Free Agents list.
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