• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

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

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).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
May 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Singer Bad Bunny watches game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and the against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
opinion

How NFL Can Get Its Arms Around Bad Bunny Situation

The league could try to balance Bad Bunny with a MAGA-friendly performer.

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Jan 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center

Golden Knights Add Hockey Canada Trial’s Carter Hart

Hart is the only acquitted player to sign with an NHL team.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:
October 9, 2025

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
October 13, 2025

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Bucks
October 7, 2025

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.