The Los Angeles Rams have rewarded superstar All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald with a re-worked contract to give him a $40 million raise over the last three years of his existing contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Donald is now the first non-quarterback to eclipse $30 million per season, and his reworked deal bring the total value of Donald’s contract to $95 million over three years. Donald’s deal includes $65 million guaranteed in the first two years of the contract and is structured so that Donald can retire or return for the 2024 season for an additional $30 million guaranteed.
“It’s a big deal,” Rams coach Sean McVay said during an appearance on SiriusXM on Monday. “And he’s earned it. 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.
“So [we] wanted to be able to find a solution to getting him taken care of, having him continue to lead the way for our team, for our defense. We had a feeling it was trending in the right direction when he was at my wedding on Saturday night.”
“The things that you see day in and day out — the way that he works, the consistency at which he works, how he affects and influences the rest of our team and really even me as a coach and the rest of our coaching staff, everything — you’re checking all the boxes for what you want for a Ram.
“He’s a special guy. … I’m really happy for Aaron.”
Donald has 98 sacks over eight seasons with the Rams.
