On April 12, 2017, the Rams exercised the fifth-year option on Donald's contract. He did not report to training camp and preseason due to a contract extension dispute. He accumulated about $1.4 million in fines due to his non-participation, and each game that he missed cost him one game check from his base salary of $1.8 million. On September 9, 2017, Donald reported to the Rams and passed his physical, however, he didn't play in the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts the next day, which the Rams won 46-9. On December 19, 2017, Donald was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. He was also later named a first-team All-Pro for the third time. Donald finished the 2017 season with 41 tackles, 11 sacks, and five forced fumbles. After a stellar 2017 season, Donald was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was ranked #7 by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.