Rams use franchise tag on Lamarcus Joyner rather than Sammy Watkins

The Los Angeles Rams have made their franchise tag decision.

Safety Lamarcus Joyner has received the designation, the team announced Tuesday. That move leaves wide receiver Sammy Watkins in line to become a free agent with the new league year beginning on March 14.

Joyner, 27, enjoyed a breakout season after moving to free safety under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, recording the first three interceptions of his career.

If Joyner plays on the franchise tag, he would earn approximately $11.29 million in 2018.

Watkins, 24, was acquired via a trade with the Buffalo Bills during training camp, as the Rams parted with cornerback E.J. Gaines and a second-round draft pick. Watkins had 593 yards and eight touchdowns on 39 receptions last season for Los Angeles.

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The Rams have already had a busy offseason, agreeing to acquire cornerback Marcus Peters from the Kansas City Chiefs and sending pass rusher Robert Quinn to the Miami Dolphins in separate deals.