He gains little comparatively from playing and risks $100+ million.
I would have to seriously consider holding out as one of the more reasonable options.
Just a note on Polian. He is looking at this from an ideal GM spo, IMO. Not a reality. So its fun to hear the tough talk but it means nothing. This leverage idea and missing report dates is kind of silly, IMO. Donald wants a new contract and the Rams want him to play. The most likely scenario is that it plays out to benefit both sides to some degree. Or he holds out, gets ugly and bridges are burned and Donald goes to a bad team.
Its really the agent here IMO. I mean when a rookie (Bosa) holds out for 4 (i think) games SMFH then there's a problem. Because those contracts should be pretty easy to get done. One like Donald's that will probably be more complicated, well it just doesn't bode well IMO. Donald hired France when Fisher was coach, so it could be that he just wants to play for a winning team and possibly McVay and Phillips... but playing out his contract is way too risky IMO.
If he signs at all it won't be much before game one and will likely go deep in the season. I haven't heard a plausible reason why he played last season. Good will is the only thing I can think of and kind of like a junior in college playing a senior year to solidify a 1st round grade. Donald gets DPOY... pretty sure that solidifies him as an elite player. So from Donald's camp IMO, olive branch has been extended and he proved his worth.
And it doesn't mean the Rams aren't close or are low-balling him. A deal could be very close. But my guess is that Donald misses camp at a minimum... just because that is usually the way these things play out from my perspective.
Makes no sense for the Rams to just let him sit for a year or two. That's just bad business on so many levels.
