https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...lamarcus-joyner-franchise-tag-offseason-news/
Lamarcus Joyner shares his thoughts on being franchise tagged by Rams
One of the biggest questions facing the Los Angeles Rams this offseason was whether or not to use the franchise tag – and if so, on who? They opted against tagging Sammy Watkins, arguably the top free agent receiver, instead using it on safety Lamarcus Joyner.
Joyner was the cheaper and more reasonable tag candidate as the Rams will now pay him $11.29 million in 2018 – assuming he doesn’t sign a long-term extension this offseason. He was one of the best safeties in the NFL last season, so losing him would have greatly hurt the Rams’ defense.
It was a wise move for the organization, but how does it impact Joyner? He’s 27 years old, entering the prime of his career and has no financial security moving forward. That doesn’t seem to bother him, though, as he’ll take the process one step at a time.
“The goal is to get a long-term deal done – we’re still in the process of that – but I’m fine with it,” Joyner said,
via Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. “I have a lot more good years left, I believe. So this deal won’t hurt anything as far as my career and my future.”
Joyner moved to safety full-time in 2017, his first season at that spot in the NFL. Needless to say, he thrived, picking off three passes while recording 49 tackles. In the first three seasons of his career, he was the Rams’ nickel cornerback, covering slot defenders inside.
He still does some of that in Wade Phillips’ scheme, but he also rotates back as a deep safety, too. Essentially, he can play a variety of positions in the secondary. That in its own right provides the Rams with plenty of value, particularly if an injury were to occur.
Despite being Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 safety last season, Joyner still doesn’t get much attention nationally. That’ll likely change in 2018 when he continues to prove he’s one of the best safeties in the NFL. It’ll also force the Rams’ hand when it comes to giving him a long-term extension.
“I’m an under-the-radar guy,” he said. “I believe in letting the chips fall where they may. When I was franchised, it was just like, ‘OK, so, now I have another opportunity to win a Super Bowl with this organization and also continue to see where they see me at as far as their future plans.’ That was my whole thought process on it.”
Unless Joyner and the Rams agree to a new contract, he’ll become a free agent next March. It’s not a situation the Rams want to deal with again after seeing Trumaine Johnson leave this offseason.
With Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Marcus Peters still to pay, however, extending Joyner sooner rather than later would be wise.
