The cases for and against giving Trumaine Johnson an extension

The deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to long-term deals is July 17. With that in mind, here are the cases for and against the Los Angeles Rams extending cornerback Trumaine Johnson on a multi-year deal:

Also from this series

• The cases for and against giving Le'Veon Bell an extension
• The cases for and against giving Kirk Cousins an extension

ForNeed

Last offseason, the Los Angeles Rams faced a dilemma with their two top cover men hitting free agency. The team opted to franchise tag Johnson, who'd recorded seven interceptions in 2015, and allow Janoris Jenkins, he of three picks, to hit free agency. The Giants scooped up Jenkins and Johnson was thrust into the Rams' No. 1 corner role.

One year later, Jenkins is on the brink of superstardom and the Rams have again tagged Johnson while considering offering him a long-term deal. They can't afford to lose Johnson too, as a secondary that once boasted two blossoming corners now lacks depth. E.J. Gaines, ranked by Pro Football Focus as one of the league's worst corners in 2016, is currently slated to start opposite Johnson.

For a team that depends on its defense, Johnson may own all the leverage here, since the Rams can ill afford to be without him.

Continuity

L.A. ranked ninth in total defense a year ago and owned the 10th-best pass defense with Johnson as its top corner. With an offense still under construction, the Rams' talent on the defensive side of the ball may be the one thing they have going for them.

With a new, 31-year-old head coach (Sean McVay) in charge and a new defensive coordinator (Wade Phillips) aboard as well, the Rams should avoid similar turnover on the roster. McVay and Phillips need time to get acclimated to the team they've inherited, and losing Johnson would be an immediate step backward.

Finally, most of the team's defensive players are locked up for at least the next two seasons. Signing Johnson long term would give the offense time to try to catch up with the defense, allowing the club - as currently constituted - an opportunity to take a few more cracks at breaking a playoff drought that extends back to 2005.

Promise

In his five seasons, Johnson has flashed the ability to dominate and the potential for more. In his highlight 2015 season, not only did he bring down seven picks, he recorded 24 passes defensed as well.

If the 6-foot-2 defender has more of that in him, the Rams would be wise to keep him in town and reap the rewards.

The franchise tag lets the Rams see how Johnson fares under the new scheme for a full season. If he flourishes, he can earn himself an extension, albeit a far more expensive one.

AgainstAge

At 27, Johnson will likely be playing into his 30s during his next contract. He's entering his sixth season, and while he arguably has yet to reach his prime, his fall may come just as quickly.

It wasn't that long ago that Darrelle Revis was considered the best cornerback in the league. Then last season, at age 31, he posted the worst campaign of his career, one that's left him without a team. He's just days away from his 32nd birthday.

The Rams need time to see how Johnson fits into McVay's plans and how he performs under a new defensive system with Phillips. While the team could always just cut bait if Johnson shows any signs of decline, it could also choose not to extend him in the first place.

Price tag

The first time Johnson was handed the franchise tag, he was the league's second-highest-paid cornerback. He'll have the highest base salary in 2017 after having been tagged a second time - a cool $16.7 million.

Johnson is in line to command top dollar on a long-term deal as well, which complicates things for the Rams. Star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is seeking a new contract, one that would presumably make him one of the richest players in the league. In the coming years, the Rams also have to consider extending running back Todd Gurley and quarterback Jared Goff.

L.A. doesn't have much room under the salary cap. Signing Johnson to an extension would likely mean losing other players.

Production

While Johnson is a solid and capable No. 1 corner, he isn't yet in the upper echelon at his position. He has yet to make either an All-Pro team or a Pro Bowl.

After three adequate but unremarkable seasons, Johnson broke out for seven interceptions in 2015, but followed it up with one interception in a subpar 2016 campaign. The former third-round pick has the tools to get the job done but has proven inconsistent.

Though Johnson was PFF's 25th-ranked corner in 2016, the Rams would have to pay him like a top-three cornerback. The play and the pay just don't match up.

Conclusion

The Rams flirted with trading Johnson after tagging him for a second time. They aren't expected to sign the corner to a long-term deal and are more likely to let him hit free agency after the 2017 season.

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