Thursday, October 15, 2026

Rams Make Aaron Donald Highest-Paid Non-QB Ever

  • The defensive tackle becomes first non-quarterback to eclipse $30 million per season.
  • Donald’s 98 sacks and 665 QB pressures are each the most of any player since his 2014 debut.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The Rams want to run it back with their Super Bowl squad — and are clearly prepared to pay the price.

After making Sean McVay the highest-paid coach in the NFL ($15-18M) and re-signing QB Matt Stafford for $160 million, Los Angeles has made Aaron Donald the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. 

The 31-year-old restructured his contract to guarantee $65 million over the next two seasons and $95 million through 2024 — a historic raise for a player making more history with each passing season. 

  • Donald’s new deal represents a $40M raise over the last three years of his existing contract — he’s the first non-quarterback to eclipse $30M per season. 
  • His current contract is structured so that he can either retire or return in 2024 — for a guaranteed $30M.
  • He’s an eight-time Pro-Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and his 98 sacks and 665 QB pressures are each the most of any player since his 2014 debut.

It’s been quite a week for Donald, who also signed up with Kanye West’s sports marketing agency, Donda Sports.

The reigning champs haven’t stopped spending this offseason — before this latest double-down, the Rams added star WR Allen Robinson on a three-year, $46.5 million contract.

So far, the recent moves haven’t moved the needle for oddsmakers. The Rams still share the third-best Super Bowl odds (+1000) with the Chiefs and Packers, who all trail the Bills (+600) and Buccaneers (+700).

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Will Be Selective With Game-Day Schedule, Says Media Chief

International Super Bowl is “a little bit far” off.
ESPN

Disney Stacks Super Bowl LXI Lineup With Even More Alt-Casts

Disney adds to its cross-platform coverage of the upcoming NFL title game.

Rams Avoid Calamity But Look Far From Juggernaut One Month In

They’re 2-2 after rallying to beat the Eagles.
Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.

Sean McVay’s Comments About Call Raise Questions About NFL Policy

Discussions between teams and the NFL are not always treated as confidential.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
Jul 2, 2026; Silvis, Illinois, USA; Blades Brown smiles with his caddie, Brett Swedberg, on the 9th green during the first round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament.

Teenage Phenom’s Pro ‘Gamble’ Paid Off With PGA Tour Record

The golfer turned professional in December 2024 when he was 17.
October 14, 2026

Rafael Jodar Embroiled in Yet Another Ball Kid Controversy

Jodar told a ball boy to “give me the fucking towel.”
October 15, 2026

Blake Griffin: Clippers Salary Cap Punishment ‘Probably Fits’

Griffin played eight seasons with the Clippers and made five All-Star Games.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 13, 2026

MLS Commissioner Don Garber Deflects on Messi Confrontation

Garber called Messi “the GOAT of all GOATs.”
October 8, 2026

Caitlin Clark Wants Mitchell Back With Fever Despite Fan Comments

Mitchell said she has yet to make a decision on her future.
October 7, 2026

Jimmy Rollins: MLB Analytics Gurus Undervalue Team Chemistry

“I went to the college of MLB. Where’d you go?”
Aug 23, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Jon Rahm tees off on hole 18 during the final round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills.
October 7, 2026

Jon Rahm Will Not Participate in LIV 2.0

Rahm was LIV’s biggest star besides Bryson DeChambeau.