Aaron Donald not present at OTA's

[RhodyRams]

rather have him sit out now, than hold out in August

 

[BonifayRam]

Not a fan of players that play this card. The Rams have largely avoided this type of crap.

I am an Aaron Donald fan, but if this is contract related it is selfish.

I agree fully. I had no ideal that AD was not getting paid. When did that happen?

I was under the impression that AD was under contract for the next two seasons.The amount to be paid set in solid concrete by the players union deal...correct?

 

[Prime Time]

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...d-missing-otas-negotiating-contract-extension

Rams' Aaron Donald skipping OTAs while team, reps talk extension
Alden Gonzalez/ESPN Staff Writer

Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Aaron Donald, the game's best interior pass-rusher, was absent from the first day of the Los Angeles Rams' organized team activities on Monday, while he and his representatives at CAA continued to negotiate a potential extension.

Rams general manager Les Snead confirmed that Donald's absence "has something to do with the contract" and said he is "very hopeful that this thing will get done."

Donald recently had his fifth-year option picked up, but that was always considered something of a placeholder while he and the Rams went back and forth on an extension. The No. 13 overall pick in 2014 will be paid a base salary of about $1.8 million in 2017 and $6.9 million in 2018, then will be eligible for free agency.

Donald's representatives at CAA were not immediately available for comment. But Snead said at the NFL combine in early March that Donald "deserves a raise," then said Monday that the Rams are "definitely at the serious stages of renegotiating" his contract.

"We like Aaron," Snead said. "There's no doubt he's a really good player. We want him to be a Ram. That's our goal. I think his goal is to be a Ram, and that's what we're working toward."

Donald has been invited to the Pro Bowl each of his three NFL seasons and was first-team All-Pro the past two years. In 2015 and '16, he was considered the game's best defensive player, regardless of position, by Pro Football Focus. Last season alone, he led the NFL with 31 quarterback hits, was tied for the lead with 17 tackles for loss, and added eight sacks.

Rams rookie head coach Sean McVay said Donald was present for the voluntary veteran minicamp from April 25-27 and had been a part of most of the team's offseason program. Participating in OTAs is voluntary, but players are required to show up for the minicamp that runs from June 13-15.

"Everything's good with Aaron," McVay said. "We expected him not to be here today, but what we have seen from Aaron this offseason, in terms of the effort, the way that he's competed -- we've been very pleased with him."

The Rams don't have much of any cap space remaining, but could pay Donald more money in 2017 by virtue of a signing bonus, which is traditionally paid in a lump sum but is spread out over the course of a contract with regards to the salary cap.

Roster bonuses and restructuring other contracts can also allow Donald to be paid more money up front. A source with knowledge of the negotiations said the Rams' cap space in 2017 "isn't an impediment" with Donald's contract. The team is set up to have $43 million on cap space in 2018, currently fifth most in the NFL.

Another option could be signing cornerback Trumaine Johnson to an extension, which would likely mean he makes less in 2017 than the $16.7 million he's on track to receive under his second consecutive franchise tag. But Snead said the Rams won't pursue extension talks with Johnson until after OTAs wrap up.

Any extension for Donald might require making him the game's highest-paid defensive player, though he could be willing to sacrifice some of that in order to make more in his two seasons before free agency.

The game's highest-paid defensive player is Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, who signed a six-year, $114.5 million contract, with $70 million guaranteed, last July. After Miller are a couple of defensive tackles: Ndamukong Suh of the Dolphins (six years, $114.375 million with nearly $60 million guaranteed) and Fletcher Cox of the Eagles (six-year, $102.6 million contract with nearly $63.3 million guaranteed).

J.J. Watt -- the only one among the five highest-paid defensive players to get an extension before his fourth season -- got a six-year deal worth about $100 million with nearly $52 million guaranteed with the Texans.

But that was in 2014.

"You always look at comparisons," Snead said, smirking a bit. "We always do that, right?"

 

[shaunpinney]

Thanks to various fees(agent, NFLPA) and state and federal income tax, Aaron's actual take home amount will be roughly half that. He is not obscenely rich, nor are the vast majority of NFL players still on their rookie contracts.

Aaron Donald's salary might seem privileged to someone not in the business but relative to other players of his stature, he's pathetically undercompensated. Ndamukong Suh makes ten times what Donald does in 2017.

I'd happily take 50% of $17,094,010 and thats where we differ I guess - to me $8.5m over three years would class a person obscenely rich. If anyone thinks that $8.5m isn't a stupid amount of money for playing a team sport isn't a lot of money, then I'll end my contribution to the discussion.

 

[LACHAMP46]

I'd happily take 50% of $17,094,010 and thats where we differ I guess - to me $8.5m over three years would class a person obscenely rich. If anyone thinks that $8.5m isn't a stupid amount of money for playing a team sport isn't a lot of money, then I'll end my contribution to the discussion.

Ah my Rams brethren from across the pond, good evening....I hope all is well over there...

If you had taken a job, where they could almost certainly say, you will lose "X" amount of years off your life, and you would possibly be crippled, and mentally damaged as well. What would you say that's worth? In dollars?

 

[Mackeyser]

It's not that it isn't a lot of money. It's that if the market says that superior performance is worth 10X as much, then it is about realizing that in a highly restricted marketplace. Donald can't just quit and go to any team like any other person can quit and look to be paid at market rates unless bound by a contract.

Moreover, as many have noted, teams ask players to take reduced salaries all the time. Thus, mid-contract negotiations are NOT a function of "not living up to a deal" by either side, but rather an acknowledgement of the requirement for more dynamic solutions to address issues in this highly restricted labor market.

 

[kurtfaulk]

I agree fully. I had no ideal that AD was not getting paid. When did that happen?

I was under the impression that AD was under contract for the next two seasons.The amount to be paid set in solid concrete by the players union deal...correct?

He isn't getting paid. He's getting screwed by a system which the vets agreed to back in the day which they thought would get all of them more money. Little did they know. When he has a 5 year contract of a value he can get per season then no, he isn't getting paid.

.

 

[Florida_Ram]

Happy Birthday TODAY Aaron Donald

DOB 05/23/1991

With all the contract talk and distractions we forgot to wish him a HBD

 

[ramsplaya16]

The man is about to get paid and I assume he's skipping OTA's to avoid potential injury while negotiations are ongoing. I have no problem with him doing this, as long as he stays healthy and Is ready when training camp rolls around.

 

[Prime Time]

If you had taken a job, where they could almost certainly say, you will lose "X" amount of years off your life, and you would possibly be crippled, and mentally damaged as well. What would you say that's worth? In dollars?

Police officers, firefighters, those in military service, and any other dangerous job would like a word about that. That said, AD deserves whatever the market will bear.

However, there's only so much money to go around. I have confidence though that Rams COO Kevin Demoff will make sure everything works out for the best.

 

[shaunpinney]

Ah my Rams brethren from across the pond, good evening....I hope all is well over there...

If you had taken a job, where they could almost certainly say, you will lose "X" amount of years off your life, and you would possibly be crippled, and mentally damaged as well. What would you say that's worth? In dollars?

Hi @LACHAMP46 - its been a bit of a weird one over the last couple of days - there's been a terrorist attack at an Arianda Grande concert in Manchester with 22 dead and 60-odd in critical condition in hospital. Such a cowardly and gutless attack on families and children, just makes you think "Why?"

In response to you comment - many people have taken and take jobs with those kind of odds for life for a heck of a lot less. I come come from a history of deep pit miners, my grandfather, as many others, started work at 12 - his stories of deaths and accidents, and subsequent early deaths from lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis etc puts all things in perspective.

Being a pro-sports person is a privileged livelihood - don't get me wrong I love the sport and (most of) the players, I just find the money obscene. And don't get me started on golf!

 

[LACHAMP46]

Hi @LACHAMP46 - its been a bit of a weird one over the last couple of days - there's been a terrorist attack at an Arianda Grande concert in Manchester with 22 dead and 60-odd in critical condition in hospital. Such a cowardly and gutless attack on families and children, just makes you think "Why?"

Yeah....senseless...My sister lives over there...not sure where, but she's always begging me to come over for a visit. Prayers for those kids....
This may finally be the straw that broke the backs of most...and could be the start of a serious addressing on terrorism. You can't attack KIDS....even the most peaceful of us would now expect swift action. But, this is a discussion for another forum.

In response to you comment - many people have taken and take jobs with those kind of odds for life for a heck of a lot less. I come come from a history of deep pit miners, my grandfather, as many others, started work at 12 - his stories of deaths and accidents, and subsequent early deaths from lung diseases such as pneumoconiosis etc puts all things in perspective.

CWP is just terrible.
Yeah, I always heard of a law that the person "assumes the risk" when engaging in certain professions, which protects them from liability. Sorta like the warnings on the packages of cigarettes or a bottle of bourbon. However, you need to inform these players of ALL these risks....and I don't think that this is being properly done.

 

[DaveFan'51]

Happy Birthday TODAY Aaron Donald

DOB 05/23/1991

With all the contract talk and distractions we forgot to wish him a HBD

"Happy belated Birthday Bro!!"

 

[shaunpinney]

...you need to inform these players of ALL these risks....and I don't think that this is being properly done.

Totally agree here - I think there's been too much brushing of findings under the carpet going on in the sport. Then again, there's a welsh rugby player that's had at least 5 concussions in the last 2 years, has been advised by his doctors AND the World Rugby Medical Adviser that he should retire, he's severely risking his future mental health, yet he's not taken their advice and still plays. I find that absolutely stupid on the players part and to some degree the team that employs him. Surely there is a bigger picture to be seen.

 

[Merlin]

I've tried to stay out of this conversation until some actual information comes out, because it's something that does bother me.

First off I don't like players not showing up in year one of a new regime when the slogan is "We not Me," even if it is a voluntary group workout in shorts and shells. This really took me by surprise simply because AD has been such a team-first guy from day one. I genuinely hope that he and the team leadership made that decision jointly for him to not be there, because if it's a decision made by his agent the timing of it definitely irritates me.

I also am concerned with the idea of paying any DT so much money that it might hurt the team's ability to win down the road. Note that I'm not against him being paid, and that is because he is an outlier who can give you pass rush from the interior of the DL which is one of the hardest commodities to find in the draft. But I do hope that he and his representation meet the Rams in the middle vs trying to squeeze as much out of them as possible, since they ARE doing right by him in trying to get him paid now and recognizing his value.

Lastly, the precedent might cause problems down the road as well. If, for example, Goff becomes an All Star this year under McVay and this offense, they might find themselves needing to pay him early too. Might end up with him and Gurley both holding out for that matter if both play lights out, thinking if they do it for a DT why not them too. It's a problem for later of course, but it is potentially a problem.

I'll close in saying that I want Donald to retire in horns. He's going to the Hall of Fame and I want him to do it as a long time Ram. But, man, I just hope that it's not contentious, because if it is then the Rams might need to make the hard call and move him for the long-term health of the organization.

 

[dieterbrock]

You ever hear of this guy Tom Brady? He won a super bowl his second year in the league and was named Super Bowl MVP. Some say he's the GOAT. Guess what, he played out his rookie contract.

False
He signed a new contract in 2002

 

[Memphis Ram]

Anybody here ever go on or support someone going on strike to earn better/more fair pay? Doesn't seem like it based upon some of these responses.

 

[Snaz]

Cool, so will really enjoy todd gurley's hold out, then goff's hold out and the rams inability to field any talented team because our young players aren't playing out their rookie contracts :banghead:

Where was Tavon in terms of contract when he got his extension last year?

 

[dieterbrock]

Anybody here ever go on or support someone going on strike to earn better/more fair pay? Doesn't seem like it based upon some of these responses.

Conversely, how many people can tell their boss they aren't coming to work until they get paid more justly?
That said, its OTA and to me a non starter.
I'm a believer in karma and stuff and honestly can understand why he wouldn't want to be negotiating a contract while playing football. Even without pads, injury can happen. Why tempt fate?

 

[Snaz]

Might be easier if one can recall the Patriots having a 1st round pick who was a 3 time All-Pro in his first 3 seasons and worthy of such a new deal.

Tom Brady wasn't a 1st round pick, but was worthy of new deals.
Apr 15 2000 Drafted by New England (NE): Round 6 (#199 overall)

Rookie Contract
Jun 24 2000 Signed a 3 year $866,500 contract with New England (NE)

Contract Extension before rookie contract played out.
Aug 28 2002 Signed a 4 year $30.145M million extension with New England (NE)

Contract Extension Before Previous contract ran out
May 8 2005 Signed a 4 year $42.8 million contract with New England (NE)