Contract Structuring
2026 CBA Rules
$20,000,000
$18,790,000
$1,210,000
4 Years (5-Yr Proration)
$10,000,000
Not Likely To Be Earned: Hits future 2027 cap if achieved.
Pre-June 1 (100% Cliff)
Post-June 1 (2-Yr Split)
$17,000,000
The Aaron Donald Blueprint: Rams convert $18.79M into an upfront signing bonus prorated over the maximum 5-year limit (1 active + 4 void years), slashing the 2026 cap hit to just $4.968M while handing Donald $20M in real cash today.
Cap Waterfall & Dead Money Mechanics
● LIVE SIMULATION
2026 Cap Hit
$4,968,000
Base + 1st Year Proration
Annual Proration
$3,758,000
Bonus ÷ 5 Years
2026 Surplus Room
$12,032,000
Out of $17.0M Space
2027 Dead Cap Cliff
$15,032,000
Remaining Proration Due
Escrow Cash Required
$18,790,000
Owner Upfront Outlay
2026 Cash vs Cap Gap
+$15,032,000
Immediate Cap Savings
Multi-Year Cap Obligation Schedule (2026–2030)
■ Active Cap Hit
■ Accelerated Dead Money
| Fiscal Year | Status | Base Salary | Bonus Proration | Dead Money | Total Cap Hit |
|---|
EXPORT ARTIFACT FORENSICS LOADED: