NFC West News: Rams DT Aaron Donald un-retires, returns to Los Angeles
An old foe has returned to attempt to dethrone the Seahawks
Former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has announced his retirement from the NFL and is returning to his previous team. This news comes after weeks of speculation, and is confirmed by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Donald's return is to assist the Rams in closing the gap and overcoming the challenges they faced last season, when they were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks.
The news was reported by Schultz and indicates that Donald is re-joining a defensive line that now includes reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
Donald informed me that he has been working hard over the last 12-13 weeks to train his body and prepare to return to the game at a high level. He has been training intensely to ensure that he can compete effectively. This news is hardly surprising, as it has been widely speculated throughout the summer, especially following the Rams' acquisition of Garrett in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns. Even ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested it was "more likely than not" that Donald would un-retire.
While I am not particularly surprised by this news, it is worth noting that Donald was a formidable player in his prime. Against Seattle alone, he recorded 41 solo tackles and 15.5 sacks in 18 career games against the team. He was also responsible for breaking Russell Wilson's finger in 2021, causing the quarterback to miss three games, which contributed to Seattle's season setback.
However, life in the NFL moves quickly, and Donald has been absent from the field since the conclusion of the 2023 season. At 35 years old, there is a notable difference between being physically fit and being in football shape. While I believe he is physically fit, I have doubts about whether he can return to the dominant force he once was.
Los Angeles will host Super Bowl LXI, and the Rams ended up winning the Lombardi trophy on their home turf the last time they hosted the Super Bowl. The Rams' window of contention is rapidly closing, and this may be their final opportunity to contend for a championship. Of course, their division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, stand in their way.
The Rams have been considered the "trendy" pick to win the Super Bowl, as many have forgotten who actually won the Super Bowl last season. Donald's return will undoubtedly add fuel to this ongoing debate.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
