Aaron Donald is retiring from the NFL in what may be the best news the 49ers receive all offseason.
Donald spent 10 seasons with the Rams after they selected him 13th overall in the 2014 NFL draft. He spent those 10 seasons dominating the NFL and terrorizing the 49ers, who he saw twice per season.
In 18 games against the 49ers, Donald posted 12.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. The Rams won just five of those games, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying from Donald.
The star defensive tackle dominated their most important matchup though. In the 2021 NFC championship game he posted four pressures, including one on San Francisco’s final offensive play of the game.
While the 49ers had success against Donald’s club, they should be rejoicing they no longer have to deal with him. Even as a 32-year-old 10-year veteran, Donald posted 84 pressures and 10 sacks last season. His absence in the 49ers’ two matchups vs. the Rams next season will be an extremely welcome sight for San Francisco.
Donald in 10 years went to 10 Pro Bowls, notched eight First-Team All-Pro nods, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, three Defensive Player of the Year wins and seven top-five DPOY finishes. It’s unclear whether he eventually learned who Deebo Samuel is.
What a career.
Now good riddance.
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