Rams CB Trumaine Johnson will play 2016 on franchise tag with no long-term deal

The Los Angeles Rams were unable to work out an extension for cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and Johnson will play the 2016 season under the franchise tag. He’s set to earn just under $14 million this season, all of which is fully guaranteed.

Johnson started 13 games for the Rams last season, racking up seven interceptions, including one pick-six. He added 17 pass deflections.

The Rams applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to Johnson this offseason, and he opted to sign it right away, ensuring he would remain in Los Angeles. Tagging Johnson meant the Rams would part ways with cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

Jenkins also had a strong season for the Rams in 2015, finishing the year with 16 pass breakups, three interceptions and one forced fumble.

During the season, Jenkins said that the Rams offered him a contract extension and he declined, choosing instead to see what the market would bear in free agency. The Rams reportedly offered Jenkins a five-year, $45 million deal during the season, but Jenkins signed with the New York Giants as a free agent, locking up a $62.5 million dollar contract.

Johnson is coming off a career season, but it’s possible the team wants to see him establish more of a track record before investing heavily in the cornerback. He missed a chunk of the 2014 season due to injury, playing in just nine games and starting five. He still managed six pass breakups and three interceptions that season, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Another factor may be that Johnson is perfectly happy to play under the tag, bringing home just under $14 million with an opportunity to prove his worth to the Rams, and other teams, should Los Angeles choose to move on from Johnson after the season.