Trumaine Johnson has finally secured the long-term deal that has eluded him for the past two seasons. The veteran cornerback will reportedly agree to a new contract with the New York Jets that will pay him $15 million per year, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Jets are expected to sign CB Trumaine Johnson to a deal worth roughly $15M per year, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2018
Report: Trumaine Johnson Will Sign $15 Million per Year Deal With New York Jets
Johnson was among the top cornerbacks available in this year’s free agent class. He played with the Los Angeles Rams the past six seasons and emerged as the team’s top corner. The Rams and Johnson failed to agree to a long-term deal each of the last two off-seasons as the Rams placed the franchise tag on him in consecutive years.
Johnson had a productive 2017 season after a relatively quiet 2016. He played in all 16 games for the Rams last year totaling up 65 tackles, 13 pass deflections, two interceptions, one defensive touchdown and one forced fumble as he helped the Rams finish fourth in lowest completion percentage allowed.
In 2016, Johson battled an ankle injury much of the season and failed to be as productive in the Rams first season in Los Angeles. He finished the year with 57 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception in 14 games.
Johnson had the most productive season of his career in 2015 as he tallied 71 tackles, 17 pass deflections, seven interceptions and a defensive touchdown in 14 games for the Rams. His first four years as a pro, Johnson had 205 tackles, 43 pass deflections, 15 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
Throughout his career, Johnson has struggled to stay healthy, which could have been a factor on why the Rams were not willing to give Johnson a long-term deal. From 2014-2016, he missed 11 games due to injury.
When healthy, Johnson is as solid as they come. Pro Football Focus gave him grades 80.7 and 80.5 in the 2015 and 2016 seasons, the highest grades of his career.
The Stockton, CA native played college football at Montana where he was a four-year starter at cornerback. Johnson was a two-time FCS All-American, named first team All-Big Sky in 2010 and finished his collegiate career with 15 interceptions, tied for third all-time in Montana’s history.
The St. Louis Rams drafted Johnson in the third round with the 65th overall draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
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