The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald just got a big pay rise from the Los Angeles Rams. According to multiple reports, the Rams reworked Donald’s deal to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the league.
Donald entered the offseason having three years left on the six-year, $135 million extension he signed back in 2018. While he was the league’s highest-paid defensive player at the time, his deal became less favorable over time. This prompted the 31-year-old player to start mulling retirement if the Rams didn’t offer him a new deal.
The LA team couldn’t allow losing their best player, so they decided to bump Donald’s salary and bring the total value of the remaining three years to a reported $95 million. As a result, the eight-time Pro Bowler will now earn a combined $65 million in 2022 and 2023 while having an option to retire afterward or return to play for $30 million in 2024.
The Rams confirmed the agreement but didn’t disclose the financial terms.
“He’s earned it,” said Rams’ head coach
Sean McVay during a chat with SiriusXM on Monday.” And he truly is one of one in my opinion. Means so much to me, to our organization. I think the respect that he’s garnered around this league from guys that have done it at such a high level. What he’s accomplished through his eight years is unparalleled.”
Since entering the league as a first-round selection in 2014, Aaron Donald has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the league’s history. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in each season and has seven First-team All-Pro honors on top of that. The Pitt product has 441 career tackles and 98.0 career sacks.