Aaron Donald would be “at peace” if career ends over contract

Aaron Donald is absent from voluntarily organized team activities, but the Rams’ seven-time All-Pro defenseman is expected to attend a mandatory mini-camp next week, coach Sean McVay said Wednesday.

“That’s the plan at the moment,” McVay said after practice.

Rams and Donalds agents try to work out a new contract. Donald, 31, has three years left on the $135 million extension he signed in 2018, but the Rams acknowledge he beat the deal.

After the Rams won the Super Bowl and achieved the win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a quarterback push from Donald, McVay and general manager Les Snead said new contracts for quarterback Matthew Stafford and Donald were a top priority.

In March, Stafford agreed to the terms of a four-year deal that includes $120 million in guarantees and could be worth up to $160 million, according to overthecap.com.

Donald has stayed in his hometown of Pittsburgh for most of the offseason program. Appearing on the I AM ATHLETE podcast, Donald said he will be “at peace” if he doesn’t come to terms with the Rams and doesn’t play next season.

He also said he would be attending McVay’s wedding this weekend.

The Rams and Donald have “great dialogue,” McVay said.

“Things are going in the right direction,” he said, adding, “The aim is to figure out how to get a contract that he’s comfortable with, that we’re comfortable with and him continuing to do his thing pioneering for the Rams.”

Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd said he’s not worried about Donald’s status for the upcoming season.

“I believe in our organization and I know they will get the job done,” Floyd said. “We need AD”

Observations from training Wednesday:

Floyd coming back from ankle surgery: Floyd said he underwent surgery on his right ankle after the Super Bowl to repair an injury he sustained at training camp last summer.

Floyd had 9½ sacks during the regular season and two in the playoffs, including one in the Super Bowl win over the Bengals.

“There were days after training that I couldn’t really walk around the house,” he said. “But you have to make sacrifices if you want to win. We probably wouldn’t have gotten the Super Bowl if I hadn’t played. So it was part of the sacrifice, and I’m glad I did it.”

Troy Hill in the field: Cornerback Troy Hill, who was recaptured in a draft day trade with the Cleveland Browns, wore the No. 2 as he went through practice.

McVay said Hill’s ability to play on the outside and the “star” position held by Jalen Ramsey make him valuable.

Last week, Hill was absent from organized team activity drills open to reporters.

Bruss is making progress: Offensive lineman Logan Bruss, the Rams’ top draft pick, took snaps with the starters on guard.

McVay emphasized that the workouts are designed to teach new players the basics of the Rams’ offense, defense and special teams.

Novice eliminated: Running back Kyren Williams, a fifth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, left practice with an apparent lower leg injury.