Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald hasn’t been at training camp as he holds out for a new contract. And based on what general manager Les Snead said to reporters Friday, there’s been no positive movement at all on this front between the two parties.
“Not any movement,” Snead said, per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. “There is hope. There’s hope that he’ll be a Ram a long time.”
This is an interesting situation. The Rams are in a tight spot with the cap, and Donald could potentially end up signing a deal that breaks records. The team has acknowledged the fact he needs to get paid, and paid a lot.
But saying that publicly and making it happen behind the scenes are two completely different things. Obviously, Donald and his representation are not budging right now, and quite honestly the Rams need Donald now more than he needs them. And what’s interesting is that Donald’s teammates support him holding out of camp, which should tell you all you need to know about this situation.
If no new deal is struck, it wouldn’t be shocking if Donald ends up sitting out regular-season games like what Kam Chancellor did last season. Still in his rookie deal as it stands right now, Donald would make just $1.4 million in base salary this season.
That’s not nearly enough for a player who’s proven himself to be one of the elite defenders the NFL has to offer. Donald is the most disruptive interior lineman in the league and has the stats to prove it. In his first three seasons, he’s racked up 164 tackles and 28 sacks.