LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams CB Trumaine “Tru” Johnson was hopeful that a new long term contract would be done, however with Monday’s deadline past, the cornerback will play under the franchise tag this season.
Johnson is set to make $16.74 million this season which is more than any other player at his position will make this year. Yet, he is the first corner tagged for the second straight season since Charles Woodson in 2005.
With the Rams focused on other contracts such as Aaron Donald who is currently seeking a new deal although he still has two seasons left on his current deal, along with Alec Ogletree and Lamarcus Joyner, Johnson will have to wait another season to get that deal.
With a defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in the fold, Johnson has completed every task that Philips and others on the staff have asked him to do.
“I’m a big corner,” Johnson told ESPN. “I can play man, I can play off, I can play zone, I can play water boy. I can play anything y’all want to play, man.”
The Rams have allowed it to come to this point with Johnson, after not making better calculated choices, as they watched players like Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod depart L.A. for free agency.
First year head coach Sean McVay had high praise for this amazing talent at corner.
“I think he fits in any system,” McVay said. “You’re talking about a big corner who can run, he’s physical, he can tackle and he has great ball skills.”
Johnson remains optimistic he’ll get a deal with the Rams and has a desire to stay in Los Angeles as long as possible.
“I like it here; I like the defense,” Johnson told reporters. “I’m trying to pick Wade Phillips’ brain every day. He’s won a Super Bowl, he’s been to the playoffs. You’re talking about a Hall of Fame coach.”
With the sun, great fans, and a promising turn around on the horizon, this is a great fit for Johnson and the Rams.
