Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald did not play a single snap against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 due to a troubling back injury. Yet, the legendary three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year still walked away from the weekend with a massive $666,667 paycheck without stepping on the field.

As Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer pointed out, Donald’s current contract includes a clever financial structure that paid him his weekly bonus despite sitting out on Sunday. Standard NFL contracts usually tie per-game roster bonuses to a player suiting up on the 46-man active roster on game day. If an athlete gets ruled inactive before kickoff, they forfeit that week's bonus check.

However, Donald’s deal features a unique twist. His contract, which maxes out at $30 million overall, includes a $10 million base salary alongside another $10 million tied to per-game roster bonuses. Crucially, Donald earns those extra checks simply by remaining on the 53-man active roster, rather than dressing for game day.

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Because Los Angeles kept Donald on the 53-man roster instead of placing him on injured reserve, he collected his full weekly payout without putting on shoulder pads. This setup creates a smart balance for both parties. The front office gains protection if Donald suffers a serious, season-ending injury, while Donald maintains complete financial security when managing minor, short-term health issues.

Through his limited action during this comeback campaign, the future Hall of Famer has recorded just one solo tackle and zero sacks over two appearances as he works his way back into peak football shape. The 2-2 Rams certainly missed his game-wrecking presence during their Week 4 battle in Philadelphia. However, keeping their star interior pass rusher healthy for the long haul matters far more than one regular-season game. Resting his back now ensures he stays fresh for a potential playoff push, all while his weekly earnings keep rolling in uninterrupted.