Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has a young and hungry defensive unit heading into his debut season as the shot-caller of the Los Angeles Rams defense. The Rams added two rookies from Florida State, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, with their first two selections in this year’s NFL draft. With additions such as Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White, and Kamren Curl, it became clear the Rams’ No. 1 offseason priority was to upgrade defensively.
Despite those upgrades, the Rams lost one of the greatest defensive players in league history via retirement as Aaron Donald hung up the cleats following his 10th season with the team. Despite Donald stating he lost the passion for the game of football, it has not stopped the Rams defensive coordinator from trying to persuade Donald to hold off on retirement for another season.
Donald was present at the Rams’ joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, which caught people’s attention and had some wondering if Donald was mulling a return.
Following the joint practice, during media availability, Shula was asked if he has thought of asking Donald if he was “sure” about retirement. Shula responded with:
“Of course. Think about that every day, and he is all over our cut-up, so we see him all the time,” Shula said. “I know he is in a great spot and (had) such a great career. He has earned the right to do whatever he wants right now. So, he’s welcome back anytime. Anytime he wants to come coach and help out, he knows the door’s always open.”
Shula also welcomed the idea of Donald helping out with coaching if he pleases, saying Donald was at practice giving tips to rookie defensive lineman Braden Fiske.
“The cool thing was seeing him give some tips to Fiske and I’m standing there listening,” Shula said. “So, it was really good to see him. Great to have him out here.”
While an Aaron Donald return is unlikely based on the statements he has made during the offseason, it sure does not hurt to try to convince the greatest Ram of all time to return for an 11th season with the team.