Aaron Donald's contract saga with the Los Angeles Rams has stretched over the last two offseasons, but it finally appears the superstar defensive tackle and the franchise are nearing an agreement.
As he did a year ago, Donald skipped voluntary team activities as well as mandatory OTAs, holding out for a new deal to likely make him the highest paid defender in the history of the NFL. One report states that the Pittsburgh product is actually seeking a contract similar to a top-tier quarterback, a demand the Rams are unlikely to meet.
In 2017, Donald didn't report until the day before the first regular season game, ultimately missing Los Angeles' first two contests. If the Rams have it their way, Donald will be in training camp with a long-term contract this time around.
Here are Rams COO and VP Kevin Demoff's comments on the team's extension talks with Donald from an interview with the NFL Network's Steve Wyche (transcribed by NFL.com's Marc Sessler):
“The dialogue's been great. It's been positive. I think [Donald] and coach [Sean] McVay have a terrific relationship. We look forward to getting this done. And putting Aaron in the place where he should be among the highest-paid defensive players.
…
“It will be done before the stadium's done,” Demoff joked. “Nah, we're going to keep wishing and hoping. I hope it's done sooner than training camp, but if it goes to training camp, our goal is to make sure it's done and that he feels rewarded and that it's a win-win deal for both sides.”
The Rams hold quite a bit of leverage because Donald won't become an unrestricted free agent after this season unless he reports by August 7th. Additionally, the Rams can elect to use the franchise tag on Donald in 2019 and possibly 2020, meaning they essentially have control of Donald for the next three seasons.
Given that the Rams have made it clear that they want to make Donald the highest paid defender in the NFL, a deal should be worked out very soon.
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