Aaron Donald’s deal done. LA Rams massive pay raise lures AD back.

It’s done. The LA Rams and Aaron Donald have re-worked his deal.

Aaron Donald, who had three years remaining on a six-year extension, is back to honor that contract. Well, honor a newly negotiated contract that inevitably has catapulted Donald skywards into the area of NFL compensation historically only matched by quarterbacks. Of course, the message is loud and clear. Aaron Donald believes that he should be compensated as readily as the highest-paid players in the sport.

And the LA Rams agree.

So what will this cost the LA Rams? While the details of the new contract are still awaiting full public disclosure, the Rams and Donald have agreed to add an additional $40 million to the stack of cash over the next three years.

Preliminary reports suggest that this is not a new extension. For all intents and purposes, from the details that we know currently, this new agreement has simply shifted more money into Aaron Donald’s pocket. And from what we have witnessed in recent years, with teammates who line up next to Donald benefitting from windfall contracts thanks to the “Aaron Donald effect,” it all makes perfect sense.

With Donald back, the LA Rams’ defense certainly has restored its status as one of the most intimidating teams to face in the league. And the LA Rams, by agreeing to infuse more money into the contract for Donald, have indirectly applied significant pressure upon other NFL teams who refuse to renegotiate contracts to benefit players who outperform their current deals.

Now with Donald back, the LA Rams should be able to move rather quickly upon other action items left to do in the front office. That includes signing rookies, reworking Cooper Kupp’s contract, and perhaps even signing Odell Beckham Jr.

Stay tuned . . .