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FSU Alums: Lamarcus Joyner getting paid after franchise tag from Rams

By Jason Parker

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Lamarcus Joyner #20 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field prior to the game against the Houston Texans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Lamarcus Joyner #20 of the Los Angeles Rams takes the field prior to the game against the Houston Texans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Lamarcus Joyner, who has been a beast for the Los Angeles Rams after an All-American career at Florida State, will be spending at least one more year in LA.

While NFL teams spent the last week in Indianapolis scouting the next group of talent that would be coming into the league, teams were also busy deciding which players were going to get the franchise tag – that infamous distinction that basically keeps a player with a team for another year instead of losing them in free agency – with one of them being former FSU star Lamarcus Joyner.

Tuesday, the Los Angeles Rams put all their chips in on the former All-American for the Seminoles, putting a non-exclusive tag on the defensive back turned safety that will pay him nearly $11.3 million for the 2018 season.

The move shows how much respect that Lamarcus Joyner has with the organization out in the city of angels, as they chose to franchise tag the former Nole over wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who may end up being one of the biggest free agents in the entire 2018 free agent class – and the Rams risked him walking to keep Joyner in town.

In moving back to safety for the 2017 season, Lamarcus Joyner became a valuable member of Wade Phillips’ defense after people wondered if the team might part ways with their former fourth round draft pick. Joyner finished the season with three interceptions – including two against the Arizona Cardinals and a pick six in the opener against Indianapolis.

The biggest benefit is that – much like he did in the 2013 national title season for the Seminoles – Joyner can drop down and play defensive back while also being able to rush off the end with no one being able to see him until it’s too late. Don’t believe me? Look at film from that season.

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With Lamarcus Joyner locked up in the defensive secondary for at least one more year, don’t be surprised to see the Rams back in the playoff hunt – and see teams playing them continue to avoid throwing in the direction of the man wearing No. 20.

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