The deadline is coming up for teams to place the franchise tag on someone, if they are going to do it. A few teams already have, and more are rumored to be thinking about it. The Los Angeles Rams certainly are. But, according to Ian Rappaport, they appear to be struggling with the decision of who to tag.
Do they lock down wide receiver Sammy Watkins, or safety Lamarcus Joyner?
The #Rams are expected to apply the franchise tag to a player tomorrow. They are still undecided between WR Sammy Watkins and S Lamarcus Joyner. Tagging one means the other may test the market.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2018
The idea of tagging Watkins seems a bit ambitious. Yes, he came out of college with all the promise in the world, but he's never lived up to his lofty expectations. The only full season he’s played was his first. If they slap the franchise tag on Watkins and guarantee him $15,682 million next season, they must have reason to believe he’ll at least be in the lineup.
But his health is far from a guarantee. Even if he is healthy enough to play, his production hasn’t been overly impressive. Last season he made 39 receptions in 15 games for 593 yards and eight touchdowns. In four years, he’s had one 1000+ yard season (2015; 1047 yards).
He’s worth keeping. But he certainly isn’t worth $15 million for one season; three, maybe, but not one.
Lamarcus Joyner, on the other hand, is a vital part of the team’s defense. As the best free agent safety on the market, he is bound to get some ridiculous offers if the Rams let him walk in free agency. If they tag him, they commit to paying him around $10 million next season.
Since that is about where he is valued at, it may even help get negotiations moving toward a long-term deal in the future.
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