Defensive lineman Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams came to terms on a record breaking deal on Friday morning. The 2017 AP Defensive Player of the Year signed a six-year extension worth $135 million, keeping him locked up through the 2024 season. The deal has $87 million in guarantees and a $40 million signing bonus. This brings him under contract for seven years and $141 million.
Donald, the 13th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons. Since entering the league, the 27-year-old star has earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and three First Team All Pro honors.
With 39 sacks to his name, Donald leads all interior lineman in that category since 2014. In 2017, he led the league with 91 quarterback pressures, earning him the top rank in his position on Pro Football Focus.
Arguably one of the most dangerous player in the league, Donald held out in hopes of receiving a contract extension. With the agreement, he will be available for the Rams’ season opener as they take on the Oakland Raiders on September 10th.
The Rams, who surprised many in 2017, look to make a deeper run after securing Donald and adding a supporting cast of Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters and Ndamukong Suh.