Rams need to sign TruJo to a long-term deal…

Link: http://www.vcstar.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2017/09/10/rams-cb-trumaine-johnson-continues-shine-despite-contract-issue/652234001/

Trumaine Johnson is the highest paid cornerback in the NFL. In the Los Angeles Rams’ 46-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Johnson played like it.

Playing just a little over a half, Jonhson had an interception return for the team’s first touchdown and later forced and recovered a fumble deep in Colts territory that resulted in a Rams field goal.

Related: Goff, Rams offense shows plenty of promise in McVay’s coaching debut

“I just tried to set the tone early,” Johnson said. “Coming in we wanted to score on defense. I was glad to make a play for the team.

“Scoring on defense is big; we put an emphasis on that all week. We got a couple of pick-sixes and a few turnovers, which is good.”

Johnson’s opening-week performance was no surprise. He’s been considered one of the better cover corners in the NFL for awhile.

Johnson’s interception Sunday was his 17th with the Rams in five-plus seasons, including a career-best seven picks in 2015.

For the last two years Johnson has lobbied hard for a long-term deal.

Rams management opted to give Johnson the franchise tag the past two seasons, making him the highest paid corner, but only for this season.

During training camp Johnson said he believed the team had no interest in keeping him for the long term.

Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) returns an interception
Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Colts in the first half of Sunday’s game in Los Angeles. (Photo: RICHARD MACKSON/USA TODAY SPORTS)
“I believe the Rams are going in a different direction at the end of the season, and that’s out of my control,” Johnson told reporters over the summer. “So I’m here and I’m putting my jersey on, and I’m still lacing up my cleats. I’m happy. I’m here to win games and help this team win games.”

Johnson’s teammates showed him their appreciation of his leadership despite the contract issues when they voted him one of the team captains for this season.

“Since he’s gotten back from training camp, you see a motivated player,” first-year Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “He’s doing everything that we ask. Clearly, we know what type of talent he is, but now I think he’s starting to bring people with him. He’s setting a good example for that room, day in and day out, and when your peers vote on you as a captain, that says a lot. … Credit to Trumaine for not letting some of the things be a distraction.”

While he was proud of the way the defense played Sunday, Johnson was equally excited to see the offense look much better than last season.

“It was good seeing them boys out there, especially (quarterback Jared) Goff building his confidence,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be a rebound season for him this year.”

Goff was duly impressed with the defense.

“Can’t say enough about the defensive effort,” Goff said. “Really love the way those guys fly around. It was fun to watch.”

After the game, Johnson and the players who were with the team last season reveled in being 1-0 and leading the NFC West after the first week.

“It’s exciting,” Johnson said. “I told the young guys not to take it for granted because it’s hard to win games in NFL.”