Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald passed his physical Saturday after ending his preseason-long hold-out that was aimed at getting a long-term and lucrative deal from the team. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, the Rams agreed to waive the fines that Donald incurred during his holdout. Rapoport estimated that Donald accumulated around $1.5 million in fines during his absence. The All-Pro defensive tackle, who is entering the fourth year of his five-year rookie deal, is slated to make $1.8 million in base salary this season.
Rapoport said the two sides are expected to reach a solution on an extension. Due to his absence, Donald will not suit up in their Week 1 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts. Instead, Donald will undergo an extensive work out in the east coast in order to speed up his return. Donald’s absence will not affect the Rams’ game plan as they have prepared for Week 1 without him, according to head coach Sean McVay. Donald is a key player in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defensive scheme, and he will be a welcome addition to the team when he returns to the field.
Bears sign Akiem Hicks to contract extension
Rapoport said the Chicago Bears have signed defensive end Akiem Hicks to a four-year contract extension worth $48 million, with a guaranteed money of $30 million guaranteed.
With the fresh deal, Hicks will stay with the Bears through the 2021 season. Hicks joined the Bears last season, signing a two-year deal worth $10 million. In his first year, Hicks tallied 54 total tackles and seven sacks while playing alongside nose tackle Eddie Goldman and defensive lineman Mitch Unrein. Before joining the Bears, Hicks played three seasons with the New Orleans Saints and half-a-year with the New England Patriots.
With the move, the Bears have four of their front seven starters signed at least until 2020 -- Hicks, Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee and Danny Trevathan.
Steelers sign Stephon Tuitt to extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the signing of defensive end Stephon Tuitt to a six-year extension worth $61 million. According to Rapoport, the deal is heavy on up-front money.
Tuitt will get a very significant raise as he was scheduled to earn just $1 million from the final year of his rookie deal. Now, Rapoport said Tuitt will earn $15 million this season. A 2014 second-round pick by the Steelers, Tuitt emerged as one of their best defenders. In his three years in Pittsburgh, Tuitt has compiled 109 combined tackles, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
