The Los Angeles Rams have placed the franchise tag on strong safety Lamarcus Joyner. The Rams still plan on negotiating with Joyner for a long term-deal before the July 15th deadline. For now, he is set to make over $11 million dollars under the tag for the 2018 season.
Los Angeles Rams Use Franchise Tag on Lamarcus Joyner
Ian Rapoport broke the news earlier today:
The #Rams are franchise tagging S Lamarcus Joyner. A top safety is kept in the fold. LA will try to keep WR Sammy Watkins, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2018
The Rams now have more time to lock up one of the most skilled young strong safeties in the game. A second-round pick out of Florida State, Joyner steadily improved each season with the Rams. He played cornerback his first three years but knew he could do more if given better opportunities.
He asked his coaches to move him to safety his first few years, but his plea fell on deaf ears. With a new coaching regime coming in, Joyner finally got his chance. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips saw Joyner’s versatility and knew he could excel at doing more than just playing corner.
He rewarded his coaches’ trust of him nicely. Joyner had a breakout season last year with the Rams. He had the first three interceptions of his career, posted nine passes defended and had a forced fumble. He was tied for sixth on the team with 49 tackles even though he missed four games due to injury.
Already ranked one of the top strong safeties in the league in his first real NFL season at the position, he will only get better with more experience. As long as he stays healthy, he should become a well-known name in the league for a long time to come.
Aside from that, tagging Joyner also means that Sammy Watkins will become a free agent. Los Angeles will attempt to keep him as well, but Watkins is now in complete control on where he will sign.
