Rams, Donald agree to record contract
All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald agreed to a massive new contract with the Rams on Friday, ending his second consecutive preseason holdout as the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
The Rams announced a new six-year deal through 2024 for Donald, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
ESPN and NFL.com reported the new deal is worth $135 million over the six years, with a $40 million signing bonus and $87 million guaranteed. Donald is already under contract this season for $6.89 million in the final year of his rookie contract.
Donald was chosen for the Pro Bowl after each of his four NFL seasons. The 27- year- old Pittsburgh product is the centerpiece of the Rams defense and one of the NFL’s most dominant linemen.
Donald didn’t report last year until the day before the regular-season opener, forcing him to miss the Rams’ first game. He still earned recognition as the NFL’s top defensive player despite playing in only 14 games, racking up 11 sacks and 41 tackles while forcing five fumbles for the NFC West champions. He also led the NFL with 91 QB pressures. owners have colluded to keep him off any NFL roster since he hit free agency in 2017.
Kaepernick began a wave of protests by NFL players two seasons ago, kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
Kaepernick contends the owners violated their collective bargaining agreement with players by conspiring to keep him off of teams. The case hinges on whether owners worked together to not sign Kaepernick.
A similar grievance is still pending by unsigned safety Eric Reid, who played with Kaepernick and joined in the protests.
Coach Bill O’Brien announced that the Texans cut veteran punter Shane Lechler. Undrafted rookie Trevor Daniel beat out Lechler in training camp. If another team signs the 42-year-old Lecher, the seven-time Pro Bowler will be entering his 19th season. ... The Vikings released WR Cayleb Jones three days after he was arrested on probable cause in connection with a domestic violence incident. ... The Eagles released former second-round draft pick Christian Hackenberg, going with Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and Nate Sudfeld as their QBs. Also, TE Brent Celek retired. Celek, 33, spent all 11 of his seasons in Philadelphia. ... Raiders CB Daryl Worley faces a fourgame suspension without pay in connection with his April arrest in Philadelphia, ESPN reported. Worley pleaded guilty June 18 to misdemeanor charges: driving under the influence, carrying firearms in public and resisting arrest.