How the Los Angeles Rams can make it to Super Bowl LIII
By Jason Reed
1. Do whatever it takes to bring back Aaron Donald
The most important thing on the Los Angeles Rams’ agenda this offseason should be bringing back Aaron Donald. Donald is one of, if not the, best defensive linemen in the NFL and as a huge part of the surprising Rams defense. Donald’s pressure on the quarterback was a huge component on why the Rams secondary exceeded expectations.
Of course, Donald and the Los Angeles Rams are not necessarily on the terms they should be heading into the offseason. The two sides failed to reach an agreement on contract negotiations in the beginning of the season, resulting in Donald missing the Rams’ first two games. Now, Donald is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
Of course, the Rams could always just slap the franchise tag on Donald and lock him down with guaranteed money. However, as we have seen with the likes of Kirk Cousins, that often never leads to longevity. Sure, the Rams may get Donald for Super Bowl LIII, but their priority must be making him a lifetime Ram.
It is time to pay the man. Los Angeles does not have any huge contracts on the payroll due to their immense youth. Only five contracts on the Rams payroll in 2018 are $10 million or higher; according to Spotrac, the Rams have the tenth-most cap space heading into next season ($44 million).
Pay Aaron Donald, lock him down for at least four more seasons. The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year has definitely earned it.