Tagging CB Johnson May Cost Los Angeles Rams CB Jenkins

Even though they were able to clear up a lot of salary cap space thanks to a series of veteran cuts, the Los Angeles Rams face a daunting situation regarding their in-house free agents. At the top of the list was how they would juggle the contracts of star cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson. Both had solid seasons in 2015 and would be looking for big contracts as unrestricted free agents. The hope for L.A. was they could work it out so both wouldn’t leave.

Problem is negotiations have dragged, forcing them to consider using the franchise tag on Johnson, who is the bigger of the two (6’2″ to 5’11”) and had the better year statistically (seven interceptions to three).

Practical as this may sound, they ran the risk of angering Jenkins by doing that since he views himself as the better corner. Seems that fear has come to pass. With the deadline for the franchise tag approaching and free agency looming on March 9th, the cornerback threw a wrench into his teams’ plans by firing his agent.

Jenkins is not permitted to hire a new one for five days, crucial time lost for the Rams. They are still allowed to keep talking with him, but odds are Jenkins will not accept any deal from them without representation. According to latest estimates Johnson stands to make $13.7 million under the franchise tag designation. The 5-year, $45 million deal Los Angeles offered Jenkins averaged out to $9 million.

Chances are he saw that as a lowball offer and desires an agent who can get him more, hence the pursuit of the same people representing Darrelle Revis, who nabbed a 5-year, $70 million contract from the Jets. There will undoubtedly be a market for Jenkins if he reaches free agency, and without the threat of the franchise tag the Rams are out of luck if they can’t get him to a number they’re comfortable with.