3 Free Agent alternatives if LA Rams fail to re-sign JJ III

The LA Rams have a most difficult decision right now. Should they or shouldn’t they apply the Franchise or Transition tag to veteran safety John Johnson III. Clearly, the LA Rams and other NFL teams are somewhat convinced that, despite being a force to be reckoned with, Johnson has an even brighter future.

After all, Johnson is hitting his NFL prime as he is just 26 years of age. This next contract will likely be the big pay-day that will fuel his investments to carry him well into his golden years of retirement.

So he will most definitely want to be paid

Knowing his financial expectations, and the LA Rams’ own financial limitations, the Rams may not apply the financial burden of a Franchise to Transition Tag to retain Johnson for one more year. With the NFL salary cap estimated to be at such a reduced level for the 2021 NFL season, however, will the Rams be willing to pay up to a $3 million premium to keep Johnson on the roster for 2021?  His franchise tag this year is estimated to be $11.2 million. Meanwhile, due to the lower salary cap, his new market value for 2021 is estimated to be $8.3 million.

And so, as is often the case, this will come down to the money. Or rather, the lack of it.  The Rams seek undervalued free agents in the NFL market, whether that describes their own players or those from other teams.

Clearly, frugality paid off handsomely in signing OLB Leonard Floyd. The Rams scored handsomely by re-signing Andrew Whitworth and Austin Blythe. The team even found good value by bringing back Michael Brockers and did not get hurt nearly as bad as the half-season from A’Shawn Robinson.