The Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday announced that they have signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks to a five-year extension, and many were surprised that a player who has yet to play a snap with the team got a new contract before star defensive lineman Aaron Donald did. But behind closed doors, it’s possible the Rams have informed Donald that his pay day is coming in the very near future.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Donald has told people close to him that he anticipates signing a long-term deal with the Rams 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
Donald, 27, is scheduled to make $6.8 million in 2018 under the final year of his rookie contract. He’s one of the best defensive tackles in football and has consistently gotten after the quarterback during his first four NFL seasons, and he could easily make the argument that he is deserving of being the highest-paid defensive tackle in football. Donald had 11 sacks in 2017 despite missing two games.
Donald is not the only defensive lineman who is seeking huge money, but his contract would likely set the market. Now that the Rams have reportedly given Cooks around $15 million per year, Donald should be next.
