'It's Phenomenal,' Says Rams Coach About Aaron Donald's New $95 Million Contract

Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams’ star defensive tackle, was close to retiring following their Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, but a new contract has him locked down in Los Angeles until 2024.

Donald’s Super Bowl-winning performance netted him a reworked contract that will have him earn $95 million over the next three seasons.

This puts him in elite company as he is the only non-quarterback NFL player to receive a deal worth that much in just three years.

Spotrac pointed out that Donald will be joining established stars like Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, Derek Carr, Russell Wilson, Josh Allen and Rams teammate Matthew Stafford on that list.

Having secured Donald’s services for a few more Super Bowl runs, Rams head coach Sean McVay was more than happy to see the veteran get his bag.

“It's not great news. It's phenomenal, outstanding, any nice adjective that you can place around it. It's a big deal and he's earned it. He truly is one of one in my opinion,” McVay told SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Town Hall.

“I think the respect that he's garnered around this league from guys that have done it at such a high level, what he's accomplished through his eight years is unparalleled. And so [we] wanted to be able to find a solution to, you know, getting him taken care of.”

The seven-time All-Pro defensive tackle has been adamant about retiring from the sport after eight years in the NFL, which he mentioned during his appearance on the “I Am Athlete” podcast hosted by Las Vegas Raiders inside linebacker Brandon Marshall.

“Me talking about retirement, that was happening way before we won a Super Bowl. I've been saying that since I got into the league that I was going to play eight years and be done. That's just what I've been saying,” he mentioned.

Donald later revealed that everyone around him who knows of his plans to retire early was certainly real, but the allure of winning another title crept up on him.

“Winning a Super Bowl, you get kind of a little addicted to it. I ain't going to lie. I want to feel that again. That experience is like none other,” he remarked.

Agreeing to a new contract with the Rams does put Donald’s retirement plans on the back burner for now as he and McVay look towards leading the team again this season.

“Just look at what he's earned, what his play has merited based on that production and then all the things that you don't see… You're checking all the boxes for what you want for [in] a Ram. He's a special guy,” McVay added.

The Rams’ roster looks stacked heading into mandatory minicamp which is set to begin on Tuesday, June 7.