Since the end of the 2017 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams have prioritized defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s long-term future with the franchise. Donald is set to enter the fifth-year option of his rookie deal without a new extension in place.
However, the Rams have continued to remain firm that they will work out a new deal with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. According to Andrew Siciliano of The NFL Network, head coach Sean McVay has indicated that there is increased dialogue with Donald over the last several weeks:
Sean McVay says he's optimistic about a getting a deal done with Aaron Donald. Yes, they're texting.
"He's responding more than he was at this time last year, so that's what I feel good about."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) May 15, 2018
Although there have been increased discussions between both sides, there has yet to be any timetable set for when a new deal will be put in place. This has become a more prominent topic of discussion with the start of training camp quickly approaching around the league.
The 26-year-old has put together an impressive career up to this point that has put him in the position to secure a lucrative contract. In his first four seasons in the league, Donald has earned him the strong reputation as being arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. This has seen him earn his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award this past season along with four consecutive Pro Bowl selection, and third three straight All-Pro First Team nod.
He also holds the Rams record for most sacks (39.0) by a defensive tackle and is the only player at his position with at least eight sacks in each of his first four years since the 1982 season. All of this equates to him being in line to topping the massive the six-year, $114.5 million contract that Von Miller received from the Denver Broncos. This could just very well signal that it may see a new extension worked out in the near future.
