Tag: Aaron Donald

Sean McVay: Asking Aaron Donald to return ‘would almost feel disrespectful’

It doesn’t sound like Sean McVay has any plans to ask Aaron Donald about a possible return to the Rams this year

The Los Angeles Rams have moved closer to accomplishing their goal of making the playoffs, which has many people wondering whether Aaron Donald might consider returning for a postseason run.

Donald has expressed no interest in coming out of retirement and seems to be very happy in his post-football life, so the Rams probably aren’t holding their breath about him asking to come back.

Not to mention, there’s an NFL rule that prevents players from coming off the reserve/retired list this late in the season, so it’s virtually impossible for him to play for the Rams in 2024 unless they release him and he somehow clears waivers – two things that will never happen.

Still, Sean McVay was asked Monday whether he’s reached out to Donald about coming back. His response was telling, a clear indication that he and the Rams haven’t broached that idea.

He says it would “almost feel disrespectful” to ask Donald to come back, knowing how satisfied he was with his decision in March.

“I have a really special relationship with Aaron and if that was ever – he has done so much and he puts so much into everything, I would almost feel disrespectful reaching out to him just based on the principles and knowing him the way that I do,” McVay said. “If that was something that he was interested in, then that would obviously be something that you’re always open to, but I almost feel like it would be disrespectful to broach that subject with him just based on our conversations, the clarity, and the completeness that he felt like he had when he stepped away when he did. I don’t think there is anything but positive vibes and I don’t think he could have any regrets based on the way he handled every single day of his career. I know he’s really happy doing the things that he’s doing right now. He stays up with what we’re doing and he still physically looks like he could go do some really special stuff on the field, but that wouldn’t be something that would come up out of respect for him and our relationship.”

There’s no question Donald would make the Rams better, even with how well Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske are playing on the interior. And he’s certainly stayed in shape all season, being the workaholic and gym rat that he is.

But the idea that he’ll come out of retirement for a Rams playoff run isn’t going to happen, and the team isn’t even going to bring it up to the future Hall of Famer.

Here’s why Aaron Donald can’t return to the Rams this season even if he wanted to

As badly as fans want Aaron Donald to come out of retirement and play for the Rams this year, an NFL rule won’t let it happen

As fun as it would be to see Aaron Donald return to the Los Angeles Rams for a late-season run, it’s not going to happen.

In fact, it can’t.

It could have happened a few weeks ago but at this point in the year, it’s not possible for Donald to simply unretire and play for the Rams in 2024. Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk pointed out that players on the reserve/retired list like Donald are unable to return after Week 12. The deadline for them to come off the reserve/retired list is “the final business day before Week 13.”

That may lead to questions about how Eric Weddle was able to come out of retirement and play for the Rams during their Super Bowl run in 2021. The difference is he wasn’t on the reserve/retired list anymore because his contract had expired.

Donald’s deal runs through the 2024 season, which allows the Rams to retain the rights to his contract until it ends. If the Rams were to release him, technically he could play this year. But he would have to pass through waivers before being able to sign back with the Rams and there’s just about a 100% chance another team would put in a claim for the future Hall of Famer.

Via ProFootballTalk:

In theory, the Rams could release Donald from the reserve/retired list and then sign him as a free agent. However, he’d have to pass through waivers. Surely, another team would make a claim.

As fun as it would be for Donald to walk through the locker room doors like Bobby Boucher at halftime of the Bourbon Bowl, it’s simply not in the cards this season – even if Donald wanted to come out of retirement.

And for what it’s worth, he seems very happy in retirement, showing no signs of wanting to play football again. He’s enjoying life after football, as he should after the remarkable career he had.

What does the future of the Rams’ offensive line look like?

Despite spending over $90 million on offensive linemen this offseason, there are questions about the future of that group for the Rams

The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line has been a point of pride for the franchise throughout its entire history. Hall of Famers Orlando Pace, Jackie Slater, Bob Brown, Tom Mack, and potential future Hall of Famer Andrew Whitworth have preserved a longstanding tradition of dominance along the line of scrimmage.

But the state of the Rams’ offensive line in 2024 is a far cry from the days of old. Resting in a state of uncertainty and inconsistent play, the future for the five men up front remains bleak.

Tackles Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein have held up strong but Jackson is in a contract year and Havenstein will be 33 years old at the start of next season, the last year on his deal. Both men may have different futures in football but they share the same cloudiness when it comes to who they will play for next season.

The problem is that the Rams can not afford to lose either of them. The Rams’ offensive line is even more brittle than they already are when either of them misses time and the capital it will take to replace them would be more than it would take to renew their deals. A replacement may also yield poor results.

So both Jackson’s and Havenstein’s agents have serious leverage in contract negotiations, which could leave a dent in the team’s wallet. However, the situation with the tackles is a cakewalk compared to the mess on the interior offensive line.

The Rams signed Jonah Jackson to a three-year, $51 million deal in free agency this offseason. They also re-signed Kevin Dotson to a three-year, $48 million extension. Steve Avila is on a four-year rookie deal worth about $9.2 million and Beaux Limmer is on a four-year rookie deal worth about $4.1 million. All four men are under contract until at least the end of the 2026 season.

That’s over $110 million committed to an interior offensive line unit that has contributed to an extensive display of poor pass protection. With pressure primarily coming from the inside, the Rams have given up 25 quarterback hits in the past four games.

So that begs the question: What is the solution? There really isn’t one. When the Rams signed Jonah Jackson, the thought was that Avila would move to center. Avila played the position at several points during his collegiate career so the move in theory would be simple. It wasn’t. It was a failure and through injuries, Beaux Limmer became the starter.

Limmer is a rookie and plays like one. Yes, Limmer has shown good potential and has thrived in the run game but he recorded a 5.2 pass-blocking grade from PFF on Sunday. That’s out of 100. To bench Limmer now,  however, would ruin his development but keeping him in means exposing Matthew Stafford to even more damaging punishment.

The bigger question is that out of Avila, Dotson and Jonah Jackson, who will be the odd man out when all three are healthy? Currently, it’s Jackson but he’s the most expensive player out of three. Plus, he was promised the guard job when he signed.

But for Avila, if he gets benched, he would be within his rights to request a trade. He’s in the second year of his rookie deal and if he wants to see a big second contract, he’ll need playing time. Plus, he was drafted to be a guard, the position he was a first-team All-Big 12 selection and PFWA All-Rookie Team selection at.

Financially, the answer is to cut Dotson. He and Jackson have similar deals, Dotson is a bit older and he would save the Rams a little over $12 million in cap space. The problem is that cutting Dotson would be one of the worst football decisions of GM Les Snead’s career. Dotson is playing at an All-Pro level, he’s started in every game since week three of the 2023 season and he’s on a very short list of players that the team can not touch. So that begs the question, what do the Rams do?

They could cut Jackson as he offers similar cap relief but that would also mean letting go of a Pro Bowl-caliber player and admitting that his signing was a failure. They could trade Avila but that would mean getting rid of a burgeoning star in the prime of his career while on a cheap contract. The other choice is to bench Limmer. If done, benching Limmer would severely damage the development of a player who has a 50-50 shot of being the centerpiece of the offensive line for the next decade.

If the team doesn’t make a move, they’ll be on the hook for a ton of money, while also having to negotiate potential deals for Havenstein, Alaric Jackson and/or their replacements.

A tough decision lies before Snead but inaction could lead to growing resentment in the locker room and the last thing this offensive line needs is another reason to not be on the same page.

Look: Aaron Donald is back at SoFi Stadium for Rams vs. Dolphins

Aaron Donald is in the building for Rams vs. Dolphins, something LA fans love to see

Aaron Donald played a lot of games at SoFi Stadium as a member of the Los Angeles Rams but now that he’s retired, he’s become a spectator in Inglewood. With the Rams facing the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, Donald is in attendance to watch his former team face Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel’s team.

Donald was on the sideline before kickoff, greeting the likes of Les Snead, Bobby Brown III, Kobie Turner and Eric Yarber. Everyone loves to see Donald back in the building, even if it’s his son and not him wearing that iconic No. 99 jersey.

Andrew Whitworth is at the game, as well, and he shared a hug with Donald before kickoff.

Here are a few more shots of Donald before kickoff.

 

Even Aaron Donald can’t believe Rams’ atrocious start vs. Cardinals

Even Aaron Donald is stunned by the Cardinals taking it to the Rams early in Sunday’s game

Put very simply, the Arizona Cardinals are taking it to the Los Angeles Rams. The team that’s lost 13 of their last 15 games to the Rams have looked untouchable in the first 17 minutes of Week 2, putting up 21 unanswered points to open the game at home.

Kyler Murray dazzled on Arizona’s first 20 plays, leading the team to 10 first downs, 222 total yards and three touchdown passes – the last of which was vintage Kyler Murray.

Even Aaron Donald, who knows all about chasing Murray down and trying to contain him in the pocket, can’t believe how quickly this game got out of hand. A man who rarely tweets, Donald simply said “wow” on social media after Murray’s third score.

Here’s a look at Murray’s spectacular third touchdown of the first half, where he made four defenders miss on a scramble drill before finding Elijah Higgins for the 18-yard score.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1835420838935371931

Aaron Donald named to Pitt advisory committee as school looks for new AD

Aaron Donald will assist his alma mater in their search for a new AD

Aaron Donald may not be suiting up on Sundays anymore but he’s staying busy in retirement. In addition to his own ventures, he’s also remained a part of his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh.

This week, Donald was named to the school’s advisory committee in its search for a new athletic director to replace the recently fired Heather Lyke, according to Jerry DiPaola of Trib Live. Men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel and former Pitt quarterback Pat Bostick are also on the committee, among others.

Donald is an icon in the Pitt community after a decorated career with the Panthers and a Hall of Fame tenure in the NFL with the Rams. As one of the school’s most successful alumni, it only makes sense that he’d help in the search for a new athletic director.

In addition to his home in Los Angeles, Donald also has a residence back home in Pittsburgh where he grew up and spent much of his time during NFL offseasons.

From sacks to naps: Aaron Donald sleeps through first NFL Sunday in retirement

Aaron Donald went from sacking NFL quarterbacks on Sundays to napping through the afternoon slate

Rams legend Aaron Donald has spent virtually every fall weekend of his adult life playing the game of football. The monster on the gridiron wreaked havoc on opposing backfields, enforcing his will against his opponent throughout his career.

Now a man enjoying the luxuries of retirement, Aaron Donald spent this Sunday enforcing a new personal policy: relaxation.

Exposing her husband on Instagram, Erica Donald recorded Aaron taking a nap during the afternoon slate, using her husband’s tiredness as an opportunity to make lighthearted jokes at the unfounded rumors of his desire to return to football.

Safe to say Donald isn’t coming back anytime soon.

Donald’s focus in retirement: some well-earned R and R on the couch in front of a TV.

Look: Kobie Turner rocks Aaron Donald shirt, Byron Young wears Eric Dickerson jersey before SNF

Kobie Turner and Byron Young honored two Rams legends with their pre-game outfits in Detroit

Kobie Turner and Byron Young arrived for Sunday Night Football in Detroit by honoring two Rams legends: Aaron Donald and Eric Dickerson. They had two awesome pre-game outfits at Ford Field before facing the Lions.

Turner wore a T-shirt with Donald’s photo on it, keeping No. 99’s spirit in the building despite Donald retiring in March. Young was wearing a throwback Dickerson jersey, a beloved jersey among fans in Los Angeles.

Turner learned a lot from Donald during their one season together in 2023 and Young is obviously a big fan of Dickerson.

https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1832899484847853631

https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1832905164547846283

Sean McVay misses Aaron Donald but is excited about Rams’ new-look DL

Sean McVay took to the podium to discuss his expectations for the defensive line after the retirement of Aaron Donald.

Football can be a cruel reminder of how quickly life moves on after loss. For 10 years, Aaron Donald was the undeterred force that commanded the Rams’ defense. Now less than seven months removed from his retirement, the Rams are set to begin their season without Donald for the first time in the Sean McVay era.

It has been a daunting task to replace not only the player that Donald was but also his production and his influence on the locker room. When asked about life without Donald and what he expects from the defensive line entering 2024, this is what McVay had to say Wednesday.

“I want them to play the way that they’re capable of – the way that they’ve played throughout the offseason, through training camp,” McVay said. “I want them to be able to play within themselves. Go enjoy it. I want them to have a great week of preparation so that they can go play with a quieted mind and cut it loose. I really love this group that we’ve been around. We’ve said it over and over, and you know this too. You’re not ever replacing an Aaron Donald and that’s not what we’re asking of our guys. I want Kobie Turner to be Kobie Turner. I want Bobby Brown to be Bobby Brown. Braden Fiske to be Braden Fiske. That’s really what we’re looking for. All the guys around him, this is about ‘eleven as one.'”

McVay is grateful to not only have coached Donald, but for him to have helped younger defensive linemen on the roster last season and in years past.

“We were so fortunate and blessed to have such a special player in Aaron Donald be around,” he continued. “What I thought was cool is he set a great example for guys that saw him play. I can use him as stories all the time. He was around last week. I just saw him the other day. It’s pretty special that he’s earned the right to be able to be so content, complete, and full to use his words. He’s coaching his son’s football team, loving that. His three-year-old son Aaric had a great birthday at their house the other day. I’m really happy for Aaron. I do miss him but I’m excited about the opportunity for these guys to go do their thing and start to etch their names in this thing.”

The Rams debut their new defensive line against one of the best offenses in the NFL this Sunday against Detroit.

Sean McVay says Braden Fiske is similar to Aaron Donald in one area

Sean McVay took to the podium to comment of Braden Fiske’s demeanor and mindset, comparing it to Rams legend Aaron Donald

The Rams made it no secret that they wanted Braden Fiske when they traded up in the second round to select for the Florida State defensive lineman in the 2024 NFL draft.

Giving up a massive haul in order to select the rookie, it seems to have been a solid investment as all reports about Fiske have been positive so far.

Sean McVay made a bold statement on Monday, reinforcing the belief in the young lineman by comparing his demeanor to Rams legend Aaron Donald.

“Jared (Verse) is always talking and Braden is observant, but he’s taken everything in,” McVay said. “His demeanor reminds me very similarly to Aaron’s [Donald] in terms of how locked in he is on the field, the focus and concentration. I think they’re both uniquely themselves though. I think that’s what’s great about it. We don’t want guys to be anything other than themselves.

Considering similar reports came out about Donald during his rookie year, Fiske continues to give the Rams a lot to be excited about.