Trumaine Johnson, cornerback
Much like we saw last year when the Oakland Raiders overpaid to land Sean Smith, Johnson has a great opportunity to grab some cash. He wowed us with seven interceptions in 2015, then had a decent go of it as the top cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams this past season after Janoris Jenkins bolted for the Big Apple.
The Rams already know they are in for some tricky contract negotiations with Johnson’s agents after using the franchise tag to retain his services in 2016. The option to hit him with the tag again in 2017 is certainly on the table, which would amount to another expensive one-year rental (right around $15 million).
Incoming defensive coordinator Wade Phillips loves physical cornerbacks, which Johnson certainly is. Knowing the Rams don’t want to let him go, it’s likely he will use this leverage to squeeze the team. Either he’ll land a lucrative long-term deal with Los Angeles, be tagged or will hit the open market, where he’s likely to earn the most guaranteed money.
The biggest problem is that, aside from his monster seven-interception year when he was the No. 2 corner for the Rams, Johnson has effectively been an above-average cornerback. With this in mind it’s a huge gamble to spend top-tier cornerback money on him, despite the fact that he probably will land such a contract.