The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms on a contract restructuring with defensive tackle Aaron Donald that will net him $60 million over two years, per Adam Schefter.
Rams are giving all-pro DT Aaron Donald a two-year, $60 million extension, per sources.
More details coming…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2022
Per Schefter, the deal makes Donald the first non-quarterback to pass the $30 million/year mark. Also, when combined with his current contract, the three-year, $95-million overall deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Aaron Donald now becomes the first non-QB to eclipse $30 million per year. It gives him a $40M raise over last three years of his existing contract with no new years added. The 3-year, now $95M contract makes Donald the highest-paid non QB. Todd France of @AthletesFirst did deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 6, 2022
Tom Pelissero noted that the deal is less of an extension and more of a restructuring.
Key note here: This is not an extension for Donald, who had three years and $55 million left on his old deal. The #Rams’ willingness to add $40M — and guarantee $65M of the new $95M total over three years — shows how real the retirement possibility was. https://t.co/wjM3GNmoL7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 6, 2022
Donald had previously said that he would only return for the 2022 season if he were able to get a new deal. He also said that he would be “at peace” with his career if an agreement couldn’t be reached.
The 31-year-old was a critical component of the Rams’ run to Super Bowl LVI last season. He made a critical play in the closing moments of the game, pressuring Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to make an errant throw on fourth down, to help seal the victory.
Considered one of the top defensive players of all time, Donald has little left to prove. He has won three Defensive Player of the Year Awards, garnered eight Pro Bowl selections, been given seven first-team All-Pro honors, and now has a Super Bowl trophy.
With the news that Donald would be back for the Rams, there were plenty of reactions around the NFL world related to the team’s chances of repeating as champions as well as how deserved the contract is for the defender.
Worth every penny. One of the best defensive players of all time and should have won Super Bowl LVI MVP. https://t.co/RFfsgc1kec
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) June 6, 2022
30mm/year is the right number for Aaron Donald, who’s the most important non Qb in the league. https://t.co/kLHAxUFXjm
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) June 6, 2022
30mm/year is the right number for Aaron Donald, who’s the most important non Qb in the league. https://t.co/kLHAxUFXjm
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) June 6, 2022
That's a lot of money…but well deserved. Never really felt like the Rams wouldn't give Donald the raise he was asking for. https://t.co/lkzXHirMbu
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) June 6, 2022
Well played @AaronDonald97 … well played https://t.co/KUSIx0gws2
— trey wingo (@wingoz) June 6, 2022
[ESPN]
