Rams apply franchise tag to Trumaine Johnson

The Los Angeles Rams have placed the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson.

By deciding to use the tag on Johnson, it appears likely his fellow Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins will now hit the open market, where he'll likely be an in-demand free agent.

The Rams were reportedly torn on who to use the tag on, but after Jenkins complicated the matter by firing his agent last week, it was expected that Johnson was the prime candidate to be tagged.

Under the tag, Johnson is set to earn a guaranteed salary of just under $14 million in 2016, unless the two parties can come to terms on a long-term deal.

The 26-year-old Johnson had a breakout season in 2015, registering 71 total tackles, seven interceptions, and two touchdowns.