Trumaine Johnson is unlikely to be back with the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, but he could still be staying in-state nevertheless.
According to a report by Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst on Tuesday, the 28-year-old cornerback is the “No. 1” free agent target for the Oakland Raiders, who will make a “pointed effort” to sign him. Pauline also adds that the Raiders see Johnson as a strong pairing with fellow corner Gareon Conley.
In 15 starts for the Rams last season, Johnson recorded 65 combined tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions. He has been with the team for his entire career after being drafted by them in 2012 but is now all but a goner after the Rams traded for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters.
Johnson is a native of Stockton, Calif. (roughly 70 miles away from Oakland) and will presumably be the top corner on the open market after receiving the franchise tag for the last two consecutive seasons. As for the Raiders, they’ve been linked to marquee talents at other positions recently too. But a Johnson pursuit certainly makes sense for Jon Gruden and Co. after Oakland gave up the seventh-most passing yards in the NFL in 2017 (according to ESPN).
H/T Rotoworld
