Report: Rams expected to use franchise tag on Watkins or Joyner
The Los Angeles Rams are expected to use the franchise tag on either wide receiver Sammy Watkins or defensive back Lamarcus Joyner by Tuesday's deadline, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The internal debate over which player to tag appears - at least on the surface - to be an interesting one for the ascending Rams.
Watkins is coming off a poor season, registering only 593 receiving yards in 15 contests, but still has high upside as a vertical threat. The Rams acquired him from the Buffalo Bills last offseason in a trade that cost them a 2018 second-round pick and cornerback E.J. Gaines.
Joyner, meanwhile, put together a standout campaign where he tallied three interceptions and 49 tackles in 12 games. The 27-year-old was the Rams' second-round pick in 2014.
Los Angeles is coming off an 11-5 season that saw the club win the NFC West and reach the postseason for the first time since the 2004-05 season.