Aaron Donald And The Rams Agreed To The Largest Deal For A Defensive Player In NFL History

The Los Angeles Rams very well might have the best defensive player in football, and after a lengthy back-and-forth over a contract extension this summer, Aaron Donald is getting paid. Donald has been in the midst of a holdout this summer, as he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal and wanted to make more than the $6.89 million he’s slated to receive this year.

Donald’s wish came true on Friday afternoon, when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the two sides had struck a deal to make Donald the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Donald reportedly agreed to a six-year deal worth $135 million, with $87 million of that in guaranteed money. Additionally, he is in line to play for the Rams during their season opener next Monday night against the Raiders.

Soon after, the Rams announced that Schefter’s report was correct, and that they’ve agreed to a deal with their standout defensive lineman.

The Rams selected Donald with the 13th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and ever since then, he’s been an absolute terror along the team’s defensive line. During his time in the NFL, Donald has made four Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams, and last year, he was voted the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Donald’s deal is $17 million more than the next highest-paid defender in terms of guaranteed money, Broncos linebacker Von Miller.

It’s been quite the week for NFL players getting paid, as Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers put pen to paper on the richest deal in league history, while Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. became the highest-paid player to ever play his position.