McVay: Rams have had 'increased dialogue' with holdout Donald

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay shed cautious optimism Saturday on the exhausting contract talks between the team and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

"Let's put it this way: there's increased dialogue," the second-year coach said, according to Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams. "We feel positive about the direction that these things are going. I think there's a level of urgency that's being displayed from us. I know that they know how much we value him and appreciate Aaron. Hopefully, we'll see some things change on that front sooner than later, but it's still kind of in the same boat."

Donald is embroiled in a holdout for the second straight year, and there's concern the reigning Defensive Player of the Year could extend his absence into the regular season. Last year, Donald reported to the Rams a day before they kicked off the regular season.

"I know there's a huge level of urgency from our side in terms of how important he is, wanting to be proactive about trying to find a solution, get this thing done," McVay added. "We'll see if we can get that situation handled."

The 27-year-old Donald is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to earn under $7 million.

McVay said a week ago that he didn't think Donald's holdout would end in the near future, though general manager Les Snead said Wednesday the two sides were in the same "ZIP Code" in extension talks.