The Los Angeles Rams were aware that in order to compete in the upcoming 2017 NFL season, they needed to make many crucial decisions before free agency hit on March 9. One of those decisions included whether or not they were going to place the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson for the second year in a row.
With rumors of safety T.J. McDonald likely to sign elsewhere in free agency, the team decided it was in their best interest to to place the non-exclusive franchise tag on Johnson in an attempt to solidify their secondary. According to Peter Schrager of Good Morning Football, the 27-year-old has officially signed his new deal:
Trumaine Johnson has officially signed his franchise tag with the LA Rams. Will make $16.7 in 2017. @GMFB @NFLONFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 6, 2017
The Rams and Johnson have until July 15 to strike a multi-year deal, but with a long-term contract seeming unlikely at this point, his pricey $16.7 million franchise tag at least ensures that Los Angeles does not rescind the one-year tender. However, although he just inked his new contract, the team is already reportedly listening to trade talks with several teams interested in the Stockton, CA native.
With Johnson at least now officially signed, it opens up the opportunity for the Rams to look at their options with him since they have several positions they also need to fill besides their secondary. The Rams are in desperate need at the wide receiver and offensive line positions and with Los Angeles not having a first round pick in the upcoming draft, they might be interested in trading him to recover from losing so many picks in last year’s draft where they selected Jared Goff with the first overall pick.
