Trumaine Johnson Contract: Latest News, Rumors on CB’s Negotiations with Rams

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson is reportedly unlikely to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension before the July 15 deadline for franchise players.

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No Movement on Johnson, Rams Extension

Sunday, June 19

ESPN’s Adam Schefter categorized the potential deal as a “long shot.” Colleague Josina Anderson said there would be a “willingness” for him to play on the franchise tender in 2016, which would pay Johnson $13.95 million.

Johnson, 26, set career highs with 71 tackles and seven interceptions last season. He tied for the NFC’s high in interceptions and was Pro Football Focus’ 16th-ranked cornerback overall. Opposing quarterbacks compiled a rating of just 49.7 throwing Johnson’s way, the lowest in football.

The Rams essentially chose Johnson over fellow corner Janoris Jenkins, who signed a massive long-term deal with the New York Giants.

“Looking at it from Johnson’s perspective, he just signed a one-year deal for nearly $14 million, which already sets a high bar for a contract,” ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner wrote in April. “Factor in Jenkins’ deal and the fact the Rams tagged Johnson over him and it would seem reasonable to ask for a contract that starts at or above what Jenkins got from New York.”

Big things are expected out of third-year corner E.J. Gaines, currently the favorite to replace Jenkins on the right side of the defense.

Playing alongside a less talented player may allow Los Angeles to assess Johnson’s true value. With Jenkins on the opposite side, quarterbacks did not have a good answer to which side they wanted to throw. Depending on how Gaines or another replacement performs, quarterbacks may now just get to take advantage of Johnson whenever he makes a rare mistake.

Keep in mind opponents weren’t afraid to throw his way last season. PFF’s numbers show quarterbacks completed 61.2 percent of their attempts against him. The low rating was mostly thanks to a 1-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio, which is almost certainly due for a regression to the mean. 

Johnson played only nine games in 2014 and was mostly up and down during his first two seasons. The Rams may find him far more amenable to a cheaper long-term contract by waiting things out. 

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