Los Angeles Rams place franchise tag on CB Trumaine Johnson (Yahoo Sports)

The Los Angeles Rams placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson on Tuesday, greatly improving their chances of keeping at least one of their starting cornerbacks during free agency. The Rams used their franchise tag for the first time since 2009 on Johnson, who is still allowed to negotiate with other teams in free agency. The Rams retain matching rights to any deal, and Los Angeles would receive two first-round picks in compensation if the club decides not to match another offer.