Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald has recorded the most sacks (98.0), quarterback hits (226), and tackles for a loss (150) since joining the NFL back in 2014. And the three-time DPOY is about to make quarterback-level dollars during the next few seasons. The speculation regarding Donald's future in the league ended on Monday, as the Rams restructured his contract to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
According to multiple reports, the three years remaining on Donald's contract now guarantees him $65 million across the next two seasons, and $95 million through 2024. It's a $40 million raise for Donald, and the reworked deal marks the first time in NFL history that a defensive player has broken the $30 million plateau for average salary. Donald helped Los Angeles capture Super Bowl 56 with a pair of championship-saving stops late in the fourth quarter.
"Donald's exactly where he deserves to be, he's at the top of the totem pole. And not just as one of the top players in the game, he's also at the top of the pole when it comes to being paid," JR said during the JR SportBrief show on Monday. "And if you've watched him play football, then you know he's worth every penny. He's worth every single cent... Donald's playing the game at a different rate, a different pace. It's like he's playing with children sometimes.
"Good for him getting paid. This is a good move for the Rams... And they're in a damn good position to compete for another Super Bowl. Now, are we going to get a repeat? Probably not, it's not likely. But they'll go back to the playoffs and have a chance to compete for another championship. Donald signing this extension even opens up a few dollars for this upcoming season... To say that Donald is overpaid and didn't earn the money is laughable."
JR's complete thoughts on Donald's reworked contract with the Rams can be accessed in the audio player above.
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