Finally, it’s a done deal. On Friday, the Rams signed defensive tackle Aaron Donald to a historic six-year extension that will keep him in place through the 2024 season. Donald signed the contract Friday afternoon.
The new deal is worth $135MM, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter), and includes $87MM in rolling guarantees. Donald’s signing bonus is worth a whopping $40MM (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com) and he’ll receive $50MM fully guaranteed (Twitter link via Albert Breer of The MMQB). The deal represents the richest defensive deal in NFL history and ties Donald to Los Angeles for the next seven years.
Donald stayed away from the Rams this summer in order to boost his leverage in talks, creating doubt about whether he’d be in uniform for the start of the season. With the deal, the Rams have assured that he’ll be in the lineup for the team’s Monday night opener against the Raiders.
Donald has been one of the league’s most fearsome defenders since entering the league as the No. 13 overall pick in 2014. Over the years, he has racked up numerous accolades and a shocking number of sacks from the interior. The Associated Press named Donald its Defensive Rookie of the Year in ’14 and, last year, he earned his first AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
In 14 games last year, Donald amassed 11 sacks, five fourced fumbles, and led the league with 91 quarterback pressures, which is perhaps the best metric by which to judge a pass rusher. The Rams made a number of splashy moves on defense this offseason, but this massive new deal with Donald may be the biggest of them all.
Get that money big fella!
Wow that’s a lot for that position. Dude is phenomenal, but wow.
Rams Defense is going to dominate. If this team isn’t in the NFC championship game it’ll be a huge disappointment for that team, for the coaching staff and the for the front office with all the upgrades they’ve made. If one thing I’ve learned..everything looks good on paper but chemistry on the field is a whole ‘nother thing. Let’s see what happens. I’m excited for this season. I’d love to see a Vikings vs Rams NFC Championship game and if either go to the SB I’d fine with.
Agreed. Their one glaring hole is outside pass rush. But some of that is mitigated by having arguably two of the best interior pass rushers in the league. Suh isn’t as good as he used to be, but he still demands attention and pairing him with Donald will give the opposing offensive line issues.
Vikings aren’t even winning the NFC North this year
Finally…. Deserves every penny. Absolute monster on the field. I have watched him multiple times obliterate 2 guys blocking him. Just a complete dominant defensive lineman. You can line him up anywhere on the line. Rams are going to be crazy good now with a happy Donald.