In April, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead said that defensive tackle Aaron Donald “deserves a raise.”
The team picked up Donald’s fifth-year option, and the latest was that the Rams were going to work on a long-term extension for Donald during the offseason.
News that Donald skipped the team’s voluntary workouts suggest that he and the Rams aren’t close to working out a deal. And according to Steve Wyche of NFL Network, his absence is absolutely related to a new deal.
Rams DT Aaron Donald NOT at OTAs, which are voluntary. However, all indications from here is that it is contract related.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) May 22, 2017
Rams GM Les Snead said contract talks w/ DT Aaron Donald are in the "serious" phase. Sounds like Donald avoiding OTAs to avoid injury.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) May 22, 2017
The Rams might have to make Donald the highest paid defensive lineman in the league if they hope to make him a happy camper.
Donald was selected 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro.
In his three seasons playing with the Rams, Donald has yet to miss a game. He has 28 total sacks on the books as well as 163 combined tackles. Donald sitting out of the team’s OTA’s is his way of sending the Rams a gentle reminder that he wants to secure a new deal.
Considering the Rams defense is the glue that holds the team together, spending top dollar to keep one of its superior players happy should be a top priority.