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ArizonaRamFan
You're not *advocating* that the Rams play hardball. You're merely pointing out that the Rams hold the most effective bargaining chip. 2 more years on Donald's contract, PLUS the franchise tag for another 2 years. Aaron Donald knows that he's worth more than his current pay, but he ALSO knows that the NFL is not for long, and he can destroy his value by 1. refusing to play at all, or 2. insisting on a blockbuster deal that would put him #1 defender in the league (which the Rams won't take), but then getting injured (it can happen to anyone!) during his rookie contract or franchise tag, and also reducing his market value.
I think I'm reading you correctly that you know and I know that Donald doesn't want to take either one of the above risks, and the Rams don't want him to take those risks either. So yeah a deal will get done, but I'm seeing what you're saying: the balance of power is in the hands of the Rams at the moment. The things Donald can do (refuse to play or refuse to negotiate and end up getting tagged) both risk reducing his value.
Donald is a sharp guy. He'll make the right decision.
Pointing out that Donald is already under contract is just a redundant version of saying they're working on an extension. Extensions occur when a guy is already under contract.
The question is what those 2 remaining years mean. Well---nothing. Both the Rams and Donald have discarded that, which is the entire point of an extension.
The risks are all on the Rams. Donald remains healthy and awaiting a big payday if he simply refuses to play and demands a trade. That's not a risk for him. It's more of a risk to WAIT on the payday, play, and get an injury that will make that payday less likely.
This entire "greedy athlete must be taught who's boss" stuff may have applied to Pace. In 2000 Zygmunt thought it applied to Warner but lost that battle. It's not even relevant in this case. Both the Rams and Donald want to extend him and both know full well that means making him
one of, if not
THE, highest paid defenders in the NFL.
....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2017 06:18AM by zn.
