Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald did not show up to today's media availability, suggesting that he may miss training camp while holding out for a new contract. Similarly, Oakland Raiders left tackle Donald Penn has adopted the same strategy. However, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey with not have to hold out, as he got a massive extension today.
Donald is no-show for media availability
Los Angeles Rams all-world defensive tackle Aaron Donald did not show up to today's media availability on reporting day before training camp opens for Rams veterans.
This indicates that Donald may hold out during training camp, as his representatives and the Rams have been discussing a new contract for most of 2017.
Earlier this year, he skipped three weeks of OTAs but did attend the team's three-day veteran minicamp. Donald is set to make less than $9 million over the next two seasons. This year is the last of his rookie contract, while the Rams control his option for next season.
Since being drafted in the first round in 2014, he has been one of the best defensive players in the league, racking up 116 tackles, 28 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. Donald has already made three Pro Bowls, two AP First-Team All-Pro teams, and was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Penn does the same in Oakland
Oakland Raiders left tackle Donald Penn also did not show up for reporting day today. He is holding out for a new contract and skipped this day as a show of frustration, sources tell ESPN and NFL Network. Penn is entering the second and final year of his current deal and wants to be paid like a top-ten left tackle.
His base salary for this season is $5.8 million, which is 11th among "pure" left tackles. Last season in 621 passing snaps, Penn only gave up one sack. The 34-year-old has also never missed a regular season game since entering the league in 2007 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Penn was selected to his second career Pro Bowl last season.
Casey gets massive extension
The Tennesse Titans and Jurrell Casey have agreed to a four-year, $60.4 million contract extension with $40 million in guaranteed money. Casey, who was selected in the third-round of the 2011 draft, had two years remaining on his current deal. Since he was drafted, Casey has been the starting defensive tackle, playing in 94 games and starting 92 of them.
Over the last two seasons, he made consecutive Pro Bowls and he was selected as part of the AP All-Pro 2nd Team back in 2013. Last season he set a career high with 29 quarterback pressures. He also became the first player since the team moved to Tennessee in 1997 to record at least five sacks in four consecutive seasons.
