The Los Angeles Rams have arguably been the busiest team this offseason adding significant pieces to the puzzle through both the trade market and free agency. It has lifted the expectations forward toward being a Super Bowl contending team next season.
At the same time, there remains a looming cloud of All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald's contract situation as he enters the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. According to Jordan Schultz of Yahoo Sports, the offseason additions of both Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks aren't expected to impact the team's ability to work out a lucrative extension with Donald.
Per league source, just as Ndamukong Suh won’t impact Aaron Donald’s alotted $ w/the #Rams, neither will Brandin Cooks, whom the team wants to extend. I’m told LA fully comprehends the value of taking care of its own – Donald for one, but also Goff/TG3. Good news for Rams’ fans
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 5, 2018
The front office has been busy building a promising roster over the last several weeks but getting their star defensive tackle under a huge contract has always been on the docket this offseason.
The 26-year-old Dold is the core piece of their defense coming off yet another impressive campaign that saw him tie his career high with 11.0 sacks along with a career-best five forced fumbles, and 41 total tackles that helped him earn the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His 39.0 career sacks are the most by a defensive tackle in team history. He is also the only player at his position with at least eight sacks in each of his first four seasons since the 1982 season.
Donald is arguably the best defensive player in the league that is in the prime of his career that should have several highly productive seasons ahead of him. The Rams certainly know his value and importance to the team's overall as the centerpiece on the defensive side of the ball.
Los Angeles is likely taking care of all the other order of business with the free agency period, trades, and likely the upcoming draft first before moving forward with inking Donald to a well-deserved lucrative extension. This could possibly see him become the highest-paid defensive player in the league surpassing Denver Broncos defensive end Von Miller's six-year, $114.5 million deal. It may just be a matter of time before the new is worked out at some point this offseason.
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