The Los Angeles Rams have been deadlocked in contract negotiations with defensive tackle Aaron Donald for quite some time now. Unfortunately, it appears the end is still not in sight for both sides.

The deadline for players to report to camp has finally arrived. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Donald will not return until a deal has been reached:

The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle will not join the team by the NFL's Tuesday deadline for players to report to earn an accrued season for free agency, nor will he be with the team anytime soon, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Needless to say, this certainly a disturbing development in Los Angeles, however, it is hardly surprising. Donald has been in pursuit of a new lucrative deal since last year. Despite plenty of optimism from the Rams' brass that they would get a deal done, there has been little progress made thus far. It has finally culminated into Donald's expected absence.

There are a number of reasons why his holdout has become so significant. For starters, his failure to report to camp means he will not meet the requirement to become an unrestricted free agent. Instead, he will remain a restricted free agent after this season and the Rams will have a chance to match any offer he receives if they have not already worked out a deal.

Donald is on the cusp of becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the game. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is undoubtedly deserving after flat-out dominating the competition through the first four years of his career.