Los Angeles Rams: Just pay Aaron Donald already
The Los Angeles Rams have started OTAs, but one familiar face is missing. With Aaron Donald out, the Rams are in a losing battle with their defensive tackle.
The NFL regular season is still months away, but OTAs have kicked off, giving us something. It might not be much, but OTAs prove to be exciting in some way. For the Los Angeles Rams, it’s less about excitement and more about dread.
Similar to last year, the Rams are missing star defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Drafted in 2014, Donald has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. He has consistently been one of the best tackles in the league along with being named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
To say Donald is talented would be an understatement. That’s why it’s baffling that the Rams have yet to pay him. A similar dispute came up last season with Donald missing both training camp and preseason due to his contract negotiations. It begs the questions: What are the Rams waiting on?
The case for paying Donald is simple. Donald has been consistent, made plays and anchored one of the best defenses in the league. Since joining the league, he’s finished each season with over 40 tackles and eight sacks. Statistically, there’s a lot of evidence to support paying him.
Looking at the team, Donald is such a crucial part of their defense. If the team loses him, they will struggle. Despite making big moves in the offseason, Donald is their most talented player on defense. Everything will fall apart if he’s not there to help guide the team.
Most notably, Donald’s teammates have been speaking out. When asked about him, many have said “Pay the man” and it’s true. There are a million and one pros to almost no cons for paying Donald. He’s done his job and he deserves to become one of the highest paid players in the NFL.
The only argument against paying Donald is the money. We don’t know many details about what he wants, but he probably isn’t willing to bargain. The Rams probably aren’t either so it’s tough. The truth is simple though: Donald deserves a big paycheck and the Rams need to give him that.
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The man has produced consistent numbers, overhauled their defense and dealt with Jeff Fischer. The ball is in the Rams’ court, though. Depending on how long this hold-out is, they could start the season without him. Just look at how long Kam Chancellor waited for the Seahawks.
Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that, but it could. Rams, just listen to your players already and pay the man!