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PeoriaRa
AD, on the contract he is on now, does not have the injury protection he will have when he signs a big long-term deal. A serious injury could be career ending. Therefore, don't practice even without heavy contact when it is optional. It is simple, smart, risk-reward analysis and I think it shows that he is a clear thinker.
Now, should we extend him while we still control him for the next few years? Any good deal has to be a win-win for both sides. Rams have most of the leverage here. But AD is one of the top defensive players in the league, and, as has been noted, is getting paid less than the kickers. (Although, to be fair, not less than the kickers did in their 4th year.)
Both sides need to be looking for the win-win. If we sign AD to a long-term, big money deal at this point, he gets lots of money and the security of big guaranteed money and he gets it early. What should he give up to make it a win for the team? In my opinion, if you want to sign a deal while still on your rookie contract, you should "discount" the deal so that over the next 5-6 years the Rams pay less than they would have if they waited until you were a FA. That way it is a win for both sides.
On the whole, unless he is prepared to sit out, AD really does not have much legal/financial leverage at this time. So if he wants to sign the big contract early, he needs to make it reasonably priced. (Even reasonably priced will still be a lot of money - he IS that good. But not break the bank set new precedents kind of money.)
A side issue, but not an unimportant one, is what message this sends to the rest of the team. That also factors in, although it is hard to quantify.
My hope is that both sides see it this way and therefore can come to a win-win agreement soon.
This is exactly what I'm talking about.
Rams hold all the leverage so if he wants to get paid now, it's gonna be team friendly contract.
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