LA Rams Make Aaron Donald the Highest-Paid Defender in NFL History

Donald's six-year deal will reportedly pay him $87 million in guaranteed money.

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Defensive end Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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The reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year won’t be escaping from LA anytime soon.

The Rams agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension with Donald that will keep the star pass-rusher in Los Angeles through the 2024 season and make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

Terms have yet to officially be released, but it’s believed Donald and the team are finalizing a deal worth $135 million which includes $87 million in guaranteed money.

The deal, which includes a $40 million signing bonus, means Donald will be on the field to face the Oakland Raiders when the Rams open their season on Monday Night Football. 

It also means there are a couple of people who may not be returning to work after Labor Day.

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Evan Bleier

Evan Bleier

Evan is a senior editor with InsideHook who earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and has called Brooklyn home since 2006. A fan of Boston sports, Nashville hot chicken and Kentucky bourbon, Evan has had his work published in publications including “Maxim,” Bleacher Report and “The Daily Mail.”
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