SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 27: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson #22 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates after the Rams recovered a fumble during the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 27, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The Rams won the game 23-17. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Trumaine Johnson Franchise-Tagged by Rams

Mike NorrisFeb 20, 2016

Cornerback Trumaine Johnson was franchise-tagged by the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports and ESPN's Adam Schefter both reported the news.

It was a smart move by the Rams, considering he had seven interceptions last season—just one off the NFL lead—and now has 15 in his four-year career. He also had 17 passes defended. Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com apparently is fond of Johnson's game:

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He is one of the best young corners in the league, as noted by this stat Evan Silva of Rotoworld tweeted:

The Rams freed up $23 million by cutting veterans James Laurinaitis, Chris Long and Jared Cook, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, the average transition-tag salary for cornerbacks in 2016 will be around $11.7 million, although that's $2 million cheaper than the average franchise tag.