The drawn-out process of making defensive tackle Aaron Donald one of the richest defenders in the game has now spilled over into training camp.
Donald did not report with the rest of the Los Angeles Rams team when they opened training camp in Southern California on Friday.
Rams players were due at 11 am PST. Aaron Donald still has now shown up yet. He's now officially late. Looks like holdout is on.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2017
This is a clear indication that the All Pro defensive tackle is going to hold out for a larger contract.
Despite Rams brass continually indicating publicly that Donald deserves to be paid elite-level money, the two sides have not been able to come to terms on an extension.
The 26-year-old defensive tackle is coming off two consecutive All Pro appearances and has earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the NFL.
During that span, Donald has recorded 28 tackles and four forced fumbles. He remains the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the entire league.
Donald is currently under contract with two years remaining on his rookie deal. This means the Rams can fine him should he decide to be a lengthy holdout.