Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead has made it clear that the team wants both cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson back next season. Both of the Rams' talented cornerbacks become unrestricted free agents on March 9, and the team is expected to use the franchise tag on one of them, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.
It's unknown if the team plans to franchise Johnson or Jenkins, as both are top-tier corners, and whichever player doesn't receive the tag is expected to "crush it in free agency," according to La Canfora. The Rams cleared a bunch of cap space by cutting star players like linebacker James Laurinaitis and defensive end Chris Long this offseason, but it reportedly might be impossible for the Rams organization to use both the tag and sign the other corner to a long-term contract.
The chances of the Rams front office signing one of them before the deadline is unlikely, and the team will have to tag one of them while the other walks in free agency. Either player could receive the tag, as they both are young, with Johnson turning 26 years old in January and Jenkins to turn 28 years old during the 2016 season.
Jenkins recorded 64 combined tackles, three interceptions, and defended 15 passes in 15 games last season, and Johnson put strong numbers as well last season, with 71 combined tackles, seven interceptions, and 17 passes defended. The Rams front office wants to bring both Jenkins and Johnson with them in their move to Los Angeles this offseason, but it seems that only one will remain with the Rams organization, as the other will have plenty of suitors on the open market.
