Following the Los Angeles Rams' most successful season in more than a decade, the team has a few pressing questions to address concerning contract situations with some key players. One of which is wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who is in line to become a free agent this offseason.

There has been a growing expectation that the team will place the franchise tag on him before the start of the free agency period. However, Mike Garafolo of The NFL Network is reporting that the Rams could elect to instead put that designation on safety Lamarcus Joyner and potentially allow Watkins to hit the open market.

“There has been some talk that the Rams would tag Watkins. I don't know about that. Hold on to that one because based on conversations that I have had with involved and around the situation I am getting the sense the Rams are looking at LaMarcus Joyner their safety as a priority there. He might be the one that winds up getting the tag. I am reminded a situation a couple of years ago the Kansas City Chiefs did a great job of signing Dwayne Bowe right before the tag deadline and that allowed them to use the tag on Brandon Albert. I am sure the Rams would love to do that. If they can't do a deal with Joyner I can see a situation where they tag Joyner then Watkins hits the market.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Houston Texans former defensive end J.J. Watt in attendance as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Tennessee Titans.
NFL legend JJ Watt throws down epic dunk during Pat McAfee visitJosh Davis ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski breaks silence on Myles Garrett, players’ OTAs absenceRichard Pereira ·
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) rushes in the second quarter against Baltimore Ravens tackle Roger Rosengarten (70) at M&T Bank Stadium.
JJ Watt drops blunt advice on TJ Watt Steelers negotiationsScotty White ·
Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (51) talks with former Eagles Jason Kelce during OTAs at NovaCare Complex.
Jason Kelce gives inside look at Tush Push owners meeting debateMatty Breisch ·
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) flexes as he does a “Lambeau Leap” with Packers fans after scoring a touchdown.
Packers’ Christian Watson gets promising OTA update from Matt LaFleurJosh Davis ·

This had been previously mentioned over the last couple of weeks as Joyner has become a uniquely talented safety over the last couple of years since transitioning to the position. He is coming off an encouraging season where he finished graded as one of the highest players at his position by Pro Football Focus and is the highest among the pending free agents at the position.

Meanwhile, there is still a window for the Rams to work out a new deal with Watkins and not have to designate the franchise tag on him. The 24-year-old has already expressed much interest in returning to the team next season and possibly beyond. If they can work out a deal before then it would allow them to use it on Joyner and keep both players under contract.

Although it appears the Rams hold Joyner to a higher value, the team still has hopes they can work out a new deal with Watkins before he has a chance to become a free agent where he could be a highly sought out commodity. In his first year in Los Angeles, he recorded in 39 catches for 593 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

It may not have necessarily been at the level that was expected given his playmaking ability, but he did enough to make the Rams believe that he could be a major contributor if he remains in the fold for the long haul.