Rams rumors: Aaron Donald 'anticipates a new deal' done before training camp

Los Angeles Rams all-world defensive lineman Aaron Donald "anticipates a new deal" coming together prior to training camp.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Rams announced yet another major move this offseason with the signing of star wide receiver Brandin Cooks to a five-year extension that runs through the 2023 season.

This has quickly shifted the attention over to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald's contract situation as he's currently in the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Donald has informed some close to him that he's anticipating that a new extension will be worked out at some point this month prior to the start of training camp.

Aaron Donald has told some close to him that he anticipates a new deal being done before camp opens. Would behoove the Rams to do as much and that is certainly their hope

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 17, 2018

This is potentially a significant development in the situation given that things had hit a lull over the last few weeks with little movement toward a deal being hammered out. Throughout the process, the Rams have continued to remain optimistic about the matter that even saw general manager Les Snead voice that Donald will become the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

However, it hasn't exactly translated toward things getting closer to being agreed upon.

There had been chatter that Donald was possibly looking to become the not only the highest-paid defensive player in the league but also have among the largest overall contracts in the league.

Through his first four years in the league, he has developed into arguably the best defensive player in the NFL that has earned four straight Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro nods, and the Defensive Player of the Year award. Donald has been the clear-cut anchor of the Rams defense that now features a few other All-Pro talents that include defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

With start of training camp just under a couple of weeks away, this could be the window of time needed to finally get a new lucrative extension worked out with the 27-year-old to keep him in Los Angeles for the long haul.