NFL: Latest updates on the Aaron Donald and Le’Veon Bell holdouts
Two of the NFL’s brightest stars still haven’t reported to training camp. Here’s the latest surrounding Aaron Donald and Le’Veon Bell
It’s far from rare to see NFL stars hold out of training camp looking for a new contract, but rarely will a hold out extend into the season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is nowhere close to an agreement with his club. Donald, by far the Rams best player on either side of the ball, is due to earn a base salary of $1.8 million this year and $6.8 million as a fifth-year option.
Donald’s base salary is the 31st-best among defensive tackles, certainly not where he expects to be paid. He’s likely looking for 10-times his base salary in average annual value, which places him with Fletcher Cox and Ndamukong Suh among the highest paid defensive tackles in the game.
Here’s what Schefter wrote regarding Donald this year and whether he could miss the entire regular season.
"One source speculated that he could envision Donald sitting out 2017, though a lot can change in any negotiation in a hurry. But the fact that such strong thoughts exist now provides a snapshot into where the two sides are today: not particularly close to a deal. The two sides will stay in touch, but today there is pessimism about how long Donald’s holdout could last."
Veteran Michael Brockers and rookie sixth round pick Tanzel Smart are projected to start as the Rams interior defensive linemen if Donald can’t get a deal done.
As for the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise tagged running back Le’Veon Bell, the news is more enlightening. Schefter reports that the 25-year-old running back, who some perceive as the best player in the game, will not miss a regular season game over his hold out.
Schefter says sources expect the star back to return to Steelers facilities before the regular season begins in Cleveland against the Browns September 10.
More from NFL News
- NFL Draft: Ranking the top signal callers of the 2024 NFL QB Class
- Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
- NFC East Buzz: Isaiah Simmons trade, Deuce Vaughn praise, Eagles rumors & more
- Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
- Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
Pittsburgh’s ability to run the ball and get for getting quarterback Ben Rothlisberger out of harm’s way is crucial for the organization’s success in both the short and long term.
Bell, who’s franchise tag will pay him $12.12 million this year, is looking for a long-term deal that will make him among the highest paid in the league. If he signs the franchise tag for this season he’ll be paid among the league elite, unlike Donald still under a rookie contract.
Devonta Freeman recently signed a five-year $41.25 million deal with Atlanta, paying him an average of $8.25 million with over $22 million in guaranteed money. Bell will want more than Freeman over his career, creating a new standard for paying superstar running backs.
Next: Browns settling for Osweiler?
Pittsburgh drafted hometown back James Conner in the third round this year while also having veteran Knile Davis on the depth chart.