Although he’s reported to the Rams and intends to play this season, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is still without a long-term contract. However, Donald has “more than ample insurance” that will protect him in the event of an injury, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Los Angeles is aware that any Donald contract will need to set a new standard for defenders, and Donald’s insurance policy could make him even more inclined to reject any offer he deems unworthy. Of course, the Rams also hold leverage over Donald, as he’s under team control through 2018 at a total cost of roughly $10MM thanks to the fifth-year option. Los Angeles could then deploy the franchise tag in 2019.
Donald, 26, has been absolutely dominant since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2014. A two-time All-Pro, Donald has managed 28 sacks during his three years in the NFL, an astonishing total for a defensive tackle. Donald, who played 828 snaps a season ago, graded as the league’s No. 1 interior defender, according to Pro Football Focus, which awarded him a 99.0 mark for his pass-rushing prowess.