Report: Rams rework Donald's contract, make him NFL's highest-paid non-QB
All the rumors about Aaron Donald's future can be laid to rest.
The Los Angeles Rams agreed to rework Donald's contract Monday, giving the star defensive lineman $95 million over the next three seasons, a $40-million raise from his previous pact, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Donald will receive $65 million guaranteed over the next two years. He'll have the option to retire after the 2023 season or return to the team in 2024 for an additional $30 million guaranteed, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
The deal also includes a no-trade clause, reports ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Donald is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, topping Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who inked a four-year contract averaging $30 million annually this offseason.
"It's a big deal and he's earned it," Rams head coach Sean McVay told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "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."
The 31-year-old Donald left his future open-ended after helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI in February. He said last week he'd only return to L.A. under a new contract.
Donald boasts a Hall of Fame-caliber resume that includes three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight Pro Bowls, and seven first-team All-Pro nods.
The Pitt product has racked up 441 tackles, 98 sacks, and 23 forced fumbles across 127 regular-season appearances since the Rams selected him 13th overall in 2014.