Los Angeles Rams: Extended Aaron Donald holdout not a surprise
The Los Angeles Rams should’ve known from the outset that the Aaron Donald holdout likely would extend into season
The initial report that the Aaron Donald holdout might extend into the 2017 regular season should have come as no surprise — especially to the Los Angeles Rams. Donald is a three-time Pro Bowler defensive lineman entering his fourth year of a five-year NFL rookie contract. The Rams owe him $9 million over the next two seasons.
ESPN.com revealed earlier this week that Donald could miss games and possibly could hold out the entire season. The sides apparently, and rightfully, are far apart on an extension. The report referred to Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s six-year, $114 million contract with $60 million guaranteed as a comparable baseline for Donald.
Donald’s play has proved that he deserves a raise. The Rams themselves have said he has earned the right to make more money, ESPN.com’s Alden Gonzalez reported. But this is the same front office that gave underperforming wide receiver Tavon Austin a four-year, $42 million contract before the 2016 season.
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The Rams also twice have placed the franchise tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, paying him $13.952 million in 2016 and $16.742 million in 2017. He recorded one interception last season. As a result, the Rams have little cap room for Donald. And it’s their fault.
Donald sees his less-decorated teammates sign huge deals with the team. And the Rams can’t ask him to settle for less when they’ve given big deals to other players. Nor can the team tell Donald that giving them a discount would help them sign an extra player or two that would help them reach the playoffs. The Rams appear to be several players away from postseason consideration.
His only recourse has been to hold out and threaten to be absent during the regular season. That has been his leverage all along. The Rams should have been — and should be — prepared to play without him in 2017. But to entice him they likely have to show significant improvement without him.
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That would affect the Donald holdout in two ways. First, he’d see that the franchise is closer to taking the next step that would be easier with his arrival. Second, it would show Donald that the Rams are capable of getting better without him and aren’t as desperate for his return.
But if the Rams are surprised that Donald may miss regular-season games, that’s another error in judgment.