Los Angeles Rams star defensive lineman and one of the best players in the league, Aaron Donald, finally ended his holdout one day before the start of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears both handled out massive contract extensions to defensive players Stephon Tuitt and Akiem Hicks.
Donald finally ends holdout, but it comes at a cost
Aaron Donald finally ended his holdout today by reporting to the Los Angeles Rams and passing his physical. A few days ago it was being said that his holdout would spill into the regular season and that the defensive lineman would miss the team's season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.
He has not yet received a new contract from the Rams, but both sides will continue negotiations. Donald will not play in the season opener because the team wants to make sure that he is ready for the field. However, he will still be on the team's active roster, so that means he will not lose his $1.8 million game check.
The Rams are seeking a roster exemption from the NFL so that they can pay Donald without having to cut someone from the team. A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the team will waive the $1.4 million in fines the 26-year-old racked up by skipping training camp.
Steelers reward Tuitt with extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they have signed defensive end Stephon Tuitt to a five-year extension that will keep him with the team through the 2022 season.
Sources informed ESPN's Adam Schefter that Tuitt's extension is worth $61 million.
The 24-year-old who was scheduled to be a free agent in 2018 has been a key piece of the team's defense since he was selected in the second-round of the 2014 draft out of Notre Dame. He has played in 44 games and started 32 of them in three years.
Tuitt has amassed 110 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.
Bears do the same for Hicks
The Chicago Bears also locked up their young defensive end Akiem Hicks to a four-year extension. Once again Schefter had the inside details on his contract, which is for $48 million, with $30 million in guaranteed money.
The 27-year-old was entering the final year of his deal.
Hicks was drafted in the third round out of Regina by the New Orleans Saints in 2012 and signed with the Bears last offseason following one year with the Patriots. Last season was the best of his career, as he racked up 54 total tackles, seven sacks and two forced fumbles in 16 starts.
