How did Aaron Donald's dominance with the Rams affect NFL player contracts?

For many years, NFL defensive tackles could only dream of making money similar to what the Los Angeles Rams were paying Aaron Donald. Now many are making 'Aaron Donald money'

Aaron Donald raised the pay scale for NFL defensive tackles and many players, like Derrick Brown of the Panthers, are thankful for that. Photo credit: Gilberto Manzano

By Victor Corona

Aaron Donald’s Hall-of-Fame resume is clearly cemented with what he did on the football field during his 10-year playing career with the Los Angeles Rams. His legacy on the other hand continues to grow even in retirement. Over the last couple years, 10 defensive tackles have signed lucrative contracts and it’s all thanks to what Donald has done for the position. 

Last week, Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers became the latest defensive interior lineman to secure the bag, signing a four-year extension worth $96 million. He joined Chiefs’ Chris Jones (five years, $158.75M), Raiders’ Christian Wilkins (Four years, $110M), Ravens’ Justin Madubuike (Four years, $98M), Jets’ Quinnen Williams (Four years, $96M), Titans’ Jeffery Simmons (Four years, $94M), Commanders’ Daron Payne (Four years, $90M), Giants’ Dexter Lawrence (Four years, $90M), Seahawks’ Leonard Williams (Three years, $64.5M) and 49ers’ Javon Hargrave (4-years, $84M). 

Donald not only revolutionized the defensive tackle position with what he did on the field, but brought value to the position to the point in which teams around the NFL are showing it with their checkbook. Donald’s career will be defined by all the accolades achieved during his playing career, but his greatest achievement will be what he did for the interior defensive linemen. 

Aaron Donald gathers his Los Angeles Rams teammates before facing the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. Photo credit: Gilberto Manzano