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Steve Wyche of NFL Network gives a small update as to the ongoing contract dispute between the Los Angeles Rams and DT Aaron Donald:
A deal for DT @AaronDonald97 and the @RamsNFL won’t be done by the time mini-camp starts. So, is that a big deal? @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/fIsqJgV7jU
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) June 11, 2018
And per the Los Angeles Times’ Gary Klein:
Rams DL Aaron Donald was not on site in Thousand Oaks for media-guide photos and to tape network television and in-game stadium promos. He is not expected to attend mandatory minicamp that starts Tuesday.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) June 11, 2018
This is a little different. As Wyche mentioned, Donald did actually show up to the mandatory minicamp last year but was “off to the side doing minor work” as opposed to truly participating after holding out of organized team activities. Donald then resumed his holdout through training camp and the preseason before re-joining the team as they installed their game plan for the season opener. This year, Donald again missed OTAs and is now going to eat the fines that missing minicamp will incur. While he might skip training camp initially, he’ll have to show up around August 7 in order to ensure his 2018 season counts as an “accrued” season toward free agency.
According to Wyche, Donald’s contract negotiations likely tie in with the Oakland Raiders’ negotiations with EDGE Khalil Mack. Both defenders are looking to let the other set the market and then top it themselves shortly after.
Minicamp starts tomorrow with or without Aaron Donald.