Are the Dolphins Willing to Trade for Trumaine Johnson?
The Miami Dolphins have already claimed that they are not willing to spend big in free agency, but would they be willing to trade for and spend big on CB Trumaine Johnson?
The Miami Dolphins have cap room to spend some money this offseason despite claiming they don’t intend to make any major splashes. However, at least one name may make them consider changing their minds: Trumaine Johnson. Cornerback is not the biggest need for Miami, but is still a need, and the Dolphins did appear to be interested in Johnson prior to free agency.
The current Ram was slapped with the franchise tag for the second consecutive year, in which he signed on Monday. The tender guarantees Johnson that he’ll be paid $16.7 million in 2017. Despite tagging their star corner, it’s now being reported by Bleacher Report that the Rams are actively shopping Johnson in trade talks.
The report states that the Rams tagged Johnson for fear of losing him for nothing. Supposedly, the Rams have contacted multiple teams about a potential trade. This begs the question as to whether or not the Dolphins could be one of those teams? It’s unclear yet as to which teams they’ve contacted or what the Rams would be looking for as compensation for Johnson.
My guess is that they would be expecting a very nice return for the 27-year old if they’ve already shown their willingness to give him over $30 million in just two seasons. Whatever team does decide to trade for Johnson will likely want to work out a long-term contract prior to making a deal. This would include reworking the $16.7 million he is due this season.
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Even though Johnson is a top notch corner in the league, I’m not sure this is a smart play for Miami to get involved in. As I stated, cornerback is not the biggest need, and the Dolphins coaching staff may even be okay with what they have currently. Paying a player eight figures feels like an awful lot of money wrapped up in one position that the Dolphins do not need a major overhaul at.
The report released today also went as far as to mention that Johnson did not have his best season last year when he was tagged the first time. Johnson finished the season with 57 tackles and one interception. The lone interception was a career low. Entering what is to be the prime of his career, and still possibly a contract season, Johnson very easily could have a bounce back season. I just don’t think it’s worth the risk for Miami to try and find out by giving up additional assets.
What do you think though? Should the Dolphins be included as one of the teams to try and take Johnson off the hands of the Rams or pass and continue their focus on other positions in free agency?