Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnsonsigned his franchise tag on Monday morning, but will he wind up far beyond the sunny shores of Los Angeles?
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the Rams are in discussions with several clubs about potentially trading away their top cover man, per teams involved in the talks.
The Rams and Johnson -- set to make $16.7 million under the tender -- have until July 15 to strike a multi-year deal, but a trade has always felt possible for the 27-year-old defender.
"So much of what the Rams are doing is about building and they would be able to get a significant draft-pick haul for one of the top corners in the game," Rapoport told NFL Network. "Right now they are weighing their options, trying to see what is out there for Trumaine Johnson and for the Rams."
Parting ways with Johnson could serve as the answer to a suddenly expensive relationship that feels bound to end after next season. Especially after general manager Les Snead acknowledged publicly last week that the Rams still need to find out if Johnson remains a "fit" in the system of new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Asked to name a fit, Rapoport told NFL Network: "Keep an eye on the Cleveland Browns."
It's a nice position for the rebuilding Rams to find themselves in.
