Said that the Rams offered AD the highest paid money last year? We don't know if that's the highest paid DT, DL or defense player. Either way, if what has been reported and has since been spoken as fact ( highest paid something) is true and AD declined two years out then speculation as to the nature of what is going on now is logical.
If you hold out two years prior to your contract being up, ask to not only have your contract ripped up and pay you as the top player, get what you request and then say no i think it's safe to make assumptions. It's a long game for him and his agency and if true it's a beautifully played game.
It's safe to say that he is using last year's offer as a base. Then he will request more. He will use last year's offer, use the approximate value of next year's offer and ask for it. If the Rams offer next year's assumed value, what will stop him from making and absurd clause request in order to not sign? Then next year he will use the Rams two years of essentially bidding against themselves, along with the entire league to silently shop numbers AND use Mack to drum up a frenzy.
If you think that AD is loyal you may be right. He also knows he is irreplaceable. He also is represented by an absolute jackal of an agent that is no doubt pushing for the above scenario.
I'm not demonizing AD. We are just discussing the business side. I think it's fascinating
Pardon me if I'm rambling or if my structure is off. I'm driving, thinking and writing this at the same time.