The Los Angeles Rams defense has undoubtedly been the staple of this team in recent years and the 2016 NFL season was no different. Regardless, the defense still has their fair share of spots to fill, especially after the rash of injuries to their middling secondary the team suffered late in the year.
Now, general manager Les Snead says the Rams will have a big decision to make on whether they will re-sign their top cornerback come free agency, according to Gary Klein of Los Angeles Times:
“That will be a big decision. Wade, like a lot of [defensive coordinators], likes good players on the outside. Trumaine fits that category…. Trumaine is a larger guy with good ball skills and all things like that. Is it a square in a square, a triangle in a triangle or more a rectangle in a square? … That’s probably one of the top priorities when Wade walks in the door because, obviously, the magnitude of what his contract will look like and the magnitude of what another franchise tag looks like and everything in between.”
Johnson’s market value remains relatively high despite a down year in which he recorded 57 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and just one interception. However, he certainly fits defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ prototype for defensive backs in terms of his physical skill set.
The Rams will have to monitor their looming questions in the secondary closely with TJ McDonald also expected to test free agency. Although Los Angeles has a number of personnel issues to address this offseason, the team cannot afford to lose yet another top cornerback in free agency for the second year in a row.
