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Throughout the entire offseason, All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald's contract situation has cast a cloud over the Los Angeles Rams.
Things have continued to stay that course without a new extension in place for Donald heading into training camp this week. According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, the 27-year-old has decided not to report to the team's practice facility Wednesday, marking the second straight offseason that he has held out in hopes of garnering a new deal.
As the #Rams report today and begin training camp, star DT Aaron Donald is not among them, per team official. They’ll have a team meeting shortly. Looks like he’s a holdout for the second consecutive season, as he awaits a new deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2018
This isn't a surprising decision by any means given that there hasn't been any significant progress toward a new, lucrative extension for Donald. The team recently inked two other key players on offense to new deals, with star wide receiver Brandin Cooks getting a five-year, $81 million extension last week and All-Pro running back Todd Gurley signing a four-year extension worth up to $60 million with $45 million in guarantees on Tuesday.
All of this has shifted the attention toward Donald being next in line to receive a long-term deal to keep him in place for the long haul in LA. The Rams continue to voice their desire to work out a new contract for the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, expressing confidence in their standing with the entire situation. It is still a fluid conversation between both sides, but there doesn't appear to be a timetable for things to be ironed out.
Los Angeles wants to make Donald the centerpiece of their defense for the next several years; it may just simply come down to how much both sides are willing to budge before a deal is reached. The only thing clear at this point is that he will become the highest-paid defensive player in the league in a contract loaded with guaranteed money. It could be just a matter of time before this situation is worked with Donald getting the contract that he has put himself in position to earn.
