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Cardinals HC Kingsbury Tried to Convince Aaron Donald to Retire at McVay's Wedding

Jun 10, 2022
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury during the Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals game on December 13, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 13: Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury during the Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals game on December 13, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury joked he was unsuccessful in trying to break up the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams while attending Sean McVay's wedding.

Kingsbury explained Thursday he tried to convince defensive tackle Aaron Donald to retire and urged wide receiver Cooper Kupp to embark on a long-term holdout:

Both Donald and Kupp proceeded to sign new contracts as McVay and Co. get ready to open their title defense in September.

The NFC West sent three teams to the playoffs last season, the Rams, Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, and it figures to remain one of the NFL's most competitive divisions in 2022.

Los Angeles' quest to repeat would have taken a serious hit if either Donald, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, or Kupp, the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year, weren't on the field to open the new campaign.

The Rams avoided that fate, though it required significant financial commitments.

Donald, who'd confirmed retirement was an option if an agreement wasn't reached, signed a three-year, $95 million contract, while Kupp inked a three-year, $80.1 million deal.

L.A. couldn't retain every member of its championship squad—linebacker Von Miller going to the Buffalo Bills and cornerback Darious Williams joining the Jacksonville Jaguars headlined the free-agent departures—but the Rams kept a vast majority of their key contributors.

While they're squarely in the championship conversation once again to open 2022, the Cardinals are trying to take the next step toward that discussion after going 11-6 to end a five-year playoff drought last season. They were knocked out in the opening round of the playoffs by the Rams, though.

The Cards' main offseason splash was acquiring wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to give quarterback Kyler Murray another weapon on the outside.

DeAndre Hopkins will miss the first six games of the season after being suspended for a violation of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Once he returns, Arizona should feature one of the league's deepest pass-catching groups with Hopkins, Brown, A.J. Green, Rondale Moore and tight end Zach Ertz.

Positive strides from the defense, which ranked 11th in yards allowed per game (329.2) last season, would also bolster the Cardinals' chances of keeping pace with the Rams.

Ultimately, Kingsbury will hope his team's on-field efforts are more productive than his admittedly half-hearted attempts to weaken the Rams' roster.

Cooper Kupp Says He, Aaron Donald’s New Contracts Prove Players 'Can Trust’ Rams

Jun 9, 2022
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - JUNE 7 : Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following the first day mini camp at the team's facility at California Lutheran University on June 7, 2022  in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - JUNE 7 : Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams answers questions from the media following the first day mini camp at the team's facility at California Lutheran University on June 7, 2022 in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams are the defending Super Bowl champions on the field and are apparently trustworthy off it.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday the Rams and wide receiver Cooper Kupp agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract extension that features $75 million guaranteed. It is the highest guarantee for a wide receiver in NFL history.

The deal with Kupp comes after the Rams reworked defensive tackle Aaron Donald's contract that will pay him $95 million through 2024 with a $40 million raise.

"All the stuff on the business side, we can trust the organization to be a place that's going to take care of you," Kupp said of the deals, per Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "They're going to be able to step in. There's going to be a respect there and understanding that that stuff's going to work itself out. So we've got a lot of guys who take the right approach mentally to be the best versions of themselves first and let the business side of things kind of work themselves out."

Kupp went on to say he has "so much respect" for the organization and the way it values and rewards its players for their impressive work on the field.

Frankly, there aren't many players in the entire league more deserving of new deals than Kupp and Donald.

The wide receiver was the Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP last season while leading the league in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdown catches (16). It was one of the best individual seasons in league history, and the Rams rewarded him for the showing.

It was clear from the start of the season that Kupp had chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford, who Los Angeles acquired from the Detroit Lions via trade ahead of the 2021 campaign.

Stafford also was rewarded this offseason with a four-year, $160 million contract extension that features $135 million guaranteed.

The Rams figure to be on the shortlist of Super Bowl contenders again in 2022 with Stafford and Kupp on the offensive side and Donald leading the defense. The defensive tackle is on his way to becoming one of the best defensive players in NFL history with a resume that already includes three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight Pro Bowl nods and seven All-Pro selections in eight seasons.

Los Angeles made sure he will keep putting up those accolades with the only franchise he has ever known.

Where Cooper Kupp's 5-Year, $110M Rams Contract Ranks Among NFL's Top-Paid WRs

Jun 9, 2022
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp waves after the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp waves after the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp was already one of the best wideouts in the NFL, and now he's being paid as such.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Kupp has agreed to a three-year, $80 million contract extension that will keep him in Los Angeles for the next five years at a total of $110 million:

Kupp joins an extensive list of receivers that were given massive extensions during the 2022 offseason:

According to Over The Cap, Kupp's $110 million deal ranks third among wide receivers behind Miami's Tyreek Hill and Las Vegas' Davante Adams in terms of total value, but the $75 million guaranteed on Kupp's deal outranks both of them. The average annual value of $22 million for Kupp's contract is sixth among wideouts.

Kupp is coming off a banner year that was capped by him earning MVP honors in Super Bowl LVI after catching the game-winning touchdown to lead the Rams past the Cincinnati Bengals. The 28-year-old also was named Offensive Player of the Year after completing the receiving triple crown, becoming the first player to accomplish the feat since Steve Smith in 2005.

Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16), setting franchise records in the first two categories. After earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections of his career, he was also stellar in the postseason, notching an NFL-record 33 catches in four games.

His chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't take long to develop after the signal-caller was acquired from the Detroit Lions last offseason. The two combined for highlight after highlight on their way to winning a title.

The Rams found a gem when they selected Kupp in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. Six receivers were drafted ahead of him that year.

After suffering a torn ACL in his second season, the Eastern Washington product bounced back in a big way and has recorded more than 90 receptions in each of the past three years.

With Kupp receiving this extension, Los Angeles will have one of the best quarterback-receiver tandems in the league for years to come. Stafford signed a four-year, $160 million extension earlier this offseason.

It's also the second move the Rams made this week to retain their star players. On Monday, Los Angeles and star defensive tackle Aaron Donald agreed to a reworked contract that includes $65 million over the next two years, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

The Rams have kept most of their core intact from last season and are likely to be among the title contenders in 2022. As long as Kupp is in the fold, Los Angeles will remain one of the top offenses in the NFL.

Cooper Kupp, Rams Reportedly Agree to 3-Year, $80M Contract Extension

Jun 8, 2022
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - JUNE 7 : Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams takes off his jersey following the first day mini camp at the team's facility at California Lutheran University on June 7, 2022  in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - JUNE 7 : Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams takes off his jersey following the first day mini camp at the team's facility at California Lutheran University on June 7, 2022 in Thousand Oaks, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams and star wideout Cooper Kupp have reportedly agreed on a three-year, $80 million contract extension that will bring him to $110 million in earnings over the next five years, per multiple reports:

Kupp wrote the following message after the reported extension:

The deal didn't come as much of a surprise.

"Our intention is to come to a win-win," general manager Les Snead said Tuesday on The Rich Eisen Show (h/t Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire). "We'd love to do it before camp. We'd love to do it sooner than possible. But in these types of situations when there's an element of a player under contract, we feel like he deserves a raise, we want to get him an extension—but with that, there's a lot of variables: there's objective variables, there's speculative variables. So, sometimes it takes a little more time."

Kupp, meanwhile, said in April that he wasn't necessarily looking to be the top-paid wideout in football.

"I don't think that's really kind of the approach that I take," he told reporters. "I definitely think there's a place you want to be. There's a place that you feel like is fair. A place for me and for this organization. ... I'm not trying to beat anybody. I'm not trying to compare myself to anyone else. It's more about being in a place that's just right for both sides."

In terms of yearly value on receiver contracts, the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill tops the list ($30 million), followed by the Las Vegas Raiders' Davante Adams ($28 million), the Arizona Cardinals' DeAndre Hopkins ($27.3 million), the Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown ($25 million) and the Buffalo Bills' Stefon Diggs ($24 million), per Spotrac.

Adams tops the list in total value ($140 million), while Hill's $72.2 in guaranteed money is the most at the position.

On merit, Kupp deserves to be one of the top-paid receivers, after an epic 2021 season in which he led the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947) and receiving touchdowns (16).

He also scored the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LVI and set up the game-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional round matchup:

So, like his teammate Aaron Donald—who reportedly signed a reworked deal Monday that will pay him $95 million over the next three seasons, a $40 million raise—Kupp got paid, and deservedly so.

Rams Could Field New Version of the 'Greatest Show On Turf' in 2022

Jun 8, 2022
PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 and wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams talk during practice in preparation for Super Bowl LVI at the Rose Bowl on February 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California.The Rams play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 and wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams talk during practice in preparation for Super Bowl LVI at the Rose Bowl on February 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California.The Rams play against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

A little more than two decades ago, NFL fans witnessed the Los Angeles Rams' historic offensive run between the 1999 and 2001 seasons. Pay attention because we could see the beginning of another incredible scoring period for the franchise.

The Rams' "Greatest Show On Turf" offense helped the team win its first Super Bowl at the conclusion of the 1999 campaign and holds the franchise record for most points (540) in a single season (2000).

In 1999, Mike Martz took over the offensive coordinator position and then replaced former head coach Dick Vermeil, who briefly retired after the Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV. Martz turned Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl into components of a well-balanced offensive machine.

Head coach Sean McVay doesn't use the Air Coryell scheme like Martz, though his West Coast Offense can pose a threat to the Greatest Show On Turf's franchise scoring record.

CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 07: (L-R) Kurt Warner, Orlando Pace, Isaac Bruce and Marshall Faulk pose during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 7, 2021 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane-Pool/Getty Images)
CANTON, OHIO - AUGUST 07: (L-R) Kurt Warner, Orlando Pace, Isaac Bruce and Marshall Faulk pose during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 7, 2021 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane-Pool/Getty Images)

Martz had Hall of Famers in Warner, Faulk, Bruce and left tackle Orlando Pace, but don't discount the Rams' current offense with its core skill players, all of whom are still under the age of 30.

Of course, quarterback Matthew Stafford sets the table with his big arm and ability to stretch the field with accuracy. In 2021, he averaged 287.4 passing yards per game and tied his career high in completion percentage (67.2) for a single season.

Similar to Warner 23 years ago, Stafford elevated the Rams offense, which justified the team's decision to acquire him from the Detroit Lions in a trade that involved its No. 1 overall pick from the 2016 draft, quarterback Jared Goff, and two first-round picks.

In terms of age, Stafford is further along than Warner, the latter of whom led the Rams' iconic offense between 28 and 30 years old, but the former showed that he can still rack up big numbers as a high-volume passer.

In 2021, he threw for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, which tied his career high for a single campaign, and 17 interceptions. The Rams ranked 10th in pass attempts.

The Rams lost left tackle Andrew Whitworth (retirement) and right guard Austin Corbett (free agency), but Joe Noteboom seems prepared to replace the former as he did during the first two 2021 playoffs games. The team will have an open competition for the interior spot. If Stafford stays upright, he can eclipse 5,000 passing yards in 2022.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13:  Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with Cooper Kupp #10 Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with Cooper Kupp #10 Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Stafford's arrival propped up wideout Cooper Kupp, who's coming off one of the league's most productive pass-catching seasons, recording 145 receptions for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns, winning 2021 Offensive Player of the Year as the leader in all three receiving categories.

More importantly, Kupp talked about how his special rapport with Stafford translates on the field (h/t Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire).

"Having Matthew Stafford come in and the player that he is, but I think it’s a mixture of not only just the player he is, but in terms of the way a quarterback and receiver see the game in the same way. When you’ve got guys that understand the game and see it in a similar way, and then also want to attack things, be able to spend the time to sync up and really be able to see the game through each other’s eyes, I think that’s what makes a huge difference.”

With another offseason together, Stafford and Kupp may become an unstoppable pair. The Rams have had "good dialogue" with their star receiver regarding contract negotiations. Kupp also attended mandatory minicamp, which suggests he isn't likely to disrupt his offseason program with a holdout.

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, talks with wide receiver Allen Robinson II during an NFL mini camp football practice Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, talks with wide receiver Allen Robinson II during an NFL mini camp football practice Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Though the Rams haven't re-signed wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who tore his ACL in Super Bowl LVI, the team signed Allen Robinson II to a three-year, $46.5 million contract. Like Kupp, he has the skills to lead an offense as a go-to receiver.

While we cannot compare Kupp and Robinson to Bruce and Holt right now, the Rams' new wide receiver duo has the potential to put tremendous pressure on opposing secondaries.

Kupp can line up in the slot or on the perimeter, and he's earned a spot as a top-five receiver in the league after an exceptional 2021 campaign. Meanwhile, McVay called Robinson "a stud" and highlighted his rare skill set for a 6'2", 210-pound wideout, via DaSilva.

"Locked in in the meetings and I think the first thing that stands out is the body control for a bigger receiver. I bet you he’s a baller on the basketball court. He’s wired to be able to double up and play underneath himself. Some of those bigger guys that play as big as he does typically don’t have the ability to get in and out of their breaks as seamlessly as he does. But I think his transition in and out of breaks and how smooth he is for how big he is, it’s been very exciting, and love getting to know him a little bit more.”

Through eight NFL seasons, Robinson has played with underwhelming starting quarterbacks in Blake Bortles, Mitch Trubisky, Nick Foles, Andy Dalton and Justin Fields. However, he's logged at least 80 receptions and 1,147 yards in three of those terms. Now, the 28-year-old receiver will catch passes from Stafford, who certainly helped boost Kupp's production.

Like the Rams' then-record setting scoring offenses under Martz, the current unit has two No. 1 wide receivers and role players capable of making big plays and moving the chains. Az-Zahir Hakim brought speed and stretched the field. Meanwhile, Ricky Proehl had a reliable set of hands, registering a catch rate of at least 67.3 percent in each term between 1999 and 2001.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Van Jefferson #12 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a touchdown during the first half in the game against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Van Jefferson #12 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a touchdown during the first half in the game against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Van Jefferson made a notable leap between his rookie and second seasons—from 19 receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown to 50 catches for 802 yards and six scores. McVay praised the receiver's ability to attack defenses over the top (h/t DaSilva).

"Van has great ability to be a complete player, but his ability to make plays down the field was outstanding," McVay said.

During his interview with DaSilva, McVay also mentioned Tutu Atwell as a potential deep threat who can carve out a role in 2022.

"I still believe Tutu can be that guy. ... But by no means is the book written on Tutu Atwell," McVay said. "He had the shoulder injury. He's looked really good. He's done a great job of responding the right way."

The 2021 second-round pick suited up for just eight games, recording 141 all-purpose yards as a kick and punt returner, but he didn't catch a pass. If McVay is right, the 5'9" 165-pounder can give the Rams a little bit of what Hakim brought to the offense in terms of speed and splashy plays.

In addition to a wide receiver unit that can go four deep against defenses, the Rams can also attack the seams and middle of the field with tight end Tyler Higbee, who's racked up at least 521 receiving yards in each of the last three campaigns.

He underwent offseason knee surgery, but the big-bodied (6'6", 255 lbs) pass-catcher has participated in on-field activities during organized team activities, per The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.

Football: NFL Playoffs:  Los Angeles Rams Cam Akers (23) in action, rushing vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa, FL 1/23/2022 CREDIT: Simon Bruty (Photo by Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X163913 TK1)
Football: NFL Playoffs: Los Angeles Rams Cam Akers (23) in action, rushing vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa, FL 1/23/2022 CREDIT: Simon Bruty (Photo by Simon Bruty/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X163913 TK1)

Third-year running back Cam Akers isn't anywhere close to Faulk in terms of expectations, but he's a dual-threat playmaker who missed all but one regular-season game because of a torn Achilles last year.

Fresh off a serious injury, Akers logged 67 carries for just 172 yards through the 2021 playoffs, but at full strength, he's a possible spark plug for an offense that ranked 25th in rushing last season.

On top of that, Stafford can dump off short passes to him in the flat. Akers recorded 69 receptions for 486 yards and seven touchdowns through three terms at Florida State.

In five seasons as the Rams head coach, McVay has fielded a top-seven scoring offense three times. He's earned praise as one of the modern league's brightest offensive minds.

With Stafford under center, a deep wide receiver group, a consistent pass-catching tight end and a young dual-threat running back, McVay can turn a conglomerate of playmakers into an elite offensive group that crushes franchise and league records.

The Greatest Show On Turf may have some scoring competition in Rams' history books.


College football statistics are provided by cfbstats.com.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.

Bills' Von Miller Says Playing for Rams 'Felt Like the Pro Bowl Every Day'

Jun 7, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Von Miller #40 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17.  (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Von Miller #40 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams boasted no shortage of star power en route to winning the Super Bowl in 2021, and even Von Miller was a bit taken aback by the depth on display.

"It was crazy. It felt like the Pro Bowl every day," Miller said at the 3:04 mark during Tuesday's episode of Kevin Hart's Cold as Balls video series. "You look back and you got Jalen Ramsey. You got Aaron Donald right next to you. Leonard Floyd across from you. Odell Beckham, my boy, on the other side. Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp."

The Rams only had four representatives in the 2022 Pro Bowl: Kupp, Donald, Ramsey and Matt Gay. Miller, Stafford, Beckham and Andrew Whitworth were all Pro Bowlers at one time as well. General manager Les Snead spared no expense in pursuit of a championship.

Miller joined Los Angeles midway through the year following his trade from the Denver Broncos. He provided an immediate impact by registering eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss in eight regular-season games. During the Rams' postseason run, he added four more sacks, including two in the team's 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

The allure of chasing another title in L.A. wasn't enough for the eight-time Pro Bowler to stick around, though. He signed a six-year, $120 million deal with the Buffalo Bills that included $51.4 million guaranteed.

Sean McVay Discusses Aaron Donald's Historic Rams Contract: 'He's Earned It'

Jun 7, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Los Angeles Rams Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after forcing Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow (9) (not pictured) to throw an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter and help seal the victory during Super Bowl LVI between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams on February 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Los Angeles Rams Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after forcing Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow (9) (not pictured) to throw an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter and help seal the victory during Super Bowl LVI between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams on February 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Aaron Donald is coming back to anchor the Los Angeles Rams defense, and head coach Sean McVay couldn't be happier about it.

McVay talked about the Donald deal during an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio's Town Hall (h/t Michael Baca of NFL.com):

"It's not great news, it's phenomenal, outstanding, any nice adjective that you can place around it. But it is. It's a big deal, and he's earned it. He truly is one of one in my opinion. Means so much to me, to our organization. I think the respect that he's garnered around this league from guys that have done it at such a high level, what he's accomplished through his eight years is unparalleled. And so [we] wanted to be able to find a solution to getting him taken care of. Having him continue to lead the way for our team, for our defense. And we had a feeling it was trending in the right direction when he was at my wedding on Saturday night. So, a lot of good things have happened the last couple days for me."

The Rams announced Monday that Donald was returning on a new deal, which ended speculation about whether the future Hall of Famer would retire after helping lead the team to the Super Bowl title last season.

Baca noted the defensive tackle will earn $95 million through the 2024 season, which makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

It's hard to argue with McVay's assertion that Donald "earned it."

The Pitt product is already one of the best players in league history with seven All-Pro selections, eight Pro Bowl nods, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and the 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year award in eight seasons.

He has far surpassed even the highest expectations that accompanied him as the No. 13 pick of the 2014 draft, and he has done so while missing just two games.

Donald finished last season with 84 tackles, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four passes defended and then took over the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals with two sacks and a key pressure on the AFC team's final snap, a 4th-and-1 from the Rams' 49-yard line.

Donald is a franchise icon, and the Rams paid him as such.

Rams' Sean McVay Reveals Odell Beckham Jr. Crashed His Wedding: 'I Loved It'

Jun 7, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Odell Beckham Jr. attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Odell Beckham Jr. attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

Odell Beckham Jr. is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Rams, but he still wanted to celebrate with his former head coach.

Sean McVay revealed on the I Am Athlete podcast that Beckham crashed his wedding. The coach explained it was difficult to come up with a guest list since he has coached so many players, and he ultimately decided just to invite the captains from last year's team and some retired players.

Yet Beckham crashed it, and McVay said, "I loved it."

McVay married his longtime girlfriend, Veronika Khomyn, in a celebration that included a Lombardi Trophy cake for the reigning Super Bowl champion.

The couple met when he was an assistant coach for the Washington Commanders and she was a student at George Mason University. They got engaged in 2019.

Beckham remains a free agent.