Rams DT Aaron Donald casts a long shadow at training camp

The Los Angeles Rams got training camp underway with a noticeable absence. Aaron Donald wants a new deal. And when the best player on this team talks, someone signing checks better be listening.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is a no show through Day 1 of training camp in Irvine, and it’s NOT breaking news. On a day where the team was beginning anew with head coach Sean McVay, and the masterful Yoda at defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the general feel good mood was a bit darkened as some potential storm clouds hung overhead.

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Donald not in camp isn’t yet the five-alarm fire that Rams fans would absolutely freak out over. But should this stretch into Week 3 of the preseason, expect the heavy sighs and hand wringing of a fan base short on patience with a franchise long on promise, but short on positive results.

Hey, we aren’t there yet.

However, if you’re looking for a silver lining, the NFL Network reports that the Rams have a lucrative dollar amount already on the table. Perhaps a signal that a deal may not be necessarily eminent, but forthcoming. Hopefully.

Meanwhile, Trumaine Johnson can kind of commiserate in a question filled future. Just don’t count on a similar forecast of something getting done. The dye seems to have been cast both with Los Angeles and the Johnson camp that 2017 will likely be the last rodeo for the CB and the Rams. After Donald, the next player on deck appears to be Alec Ogletree. A signal echoed by Austin yesterday.

“I believe the Rams are going in a different direction at the end of the season,” Austin is quoted to have said when asked about his situation and 2018. A likely scenario given the dollars and cents of an organization who will be desperate to keep the best part of this team reasonably intact come next season.

Everything has a price.

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Until then, whatever storm clouds near Irvine, California courtesy of the Rams best player gone missing and quiet, will generate the appropriate headlines.

Hopefully, that to will soon pass.