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.
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.
Tom Pelissero noted that the deal is less of an extension and more of a restructuring.
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]