It’s official: Aaron Donald returns to the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year, $20 million contract. Many felt he retired early at 32. Now, he has a chance to add to his legacy.
Despite winning a Super Bowl, it still feels like Donald left a lot on the field. He played 10 years in the league (2014-2023). He was named a Pro Bowler for all 10 years and was named first-team All-Pro eight times.
One of those years Donald earned first-team All-Pro was in 2023, the final year before retirement. In that final year, he was still among the top defenders in his position. According to Pro Football Focus(PFF), he had an overall grade of 90.9, which was second among defensive linemen.
The pass rush grade was 91.5, which was also second among defensive linemen. Finally, Donald had 84 pressures, which was first among interior defensive linemen. He wasn’t just a solid player when he left. He was arguably the best player in the league at his position still.
That’s why Donald leaving felt so sudden. No decline or moment forced him to leave the game. He ended his career because he felt content with everything that he accomplished in the league so far.
Had Donald never stepped foot on a field again, he would have no doubt been an all-time legend and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. His production, though, for his entire career conveys that he has Greatest of All Time (GOAT) potential. Having earned three Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) trophies, 10 Pro Bowls, and eight first-team All-Pros, he’s had a nearly impeccable career.
The one setback in Donald’s numbers would be longevity. Specifically, his total sack number of 111.0 is a bit low among all-time players. Players like Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, and Bruce Smith have over 140 career sacks. White and Smith have 198 and 200, respectively.
It’ll be interesting to see how much Donald can add to his career sack total. If he winds up playing a couple more years, he could reach Taylor territory. His three DPOY awards are why he won’t need 200 sacks to reach GOAT status. White and Smith don’t have that many.
It’s an interesting story to look at as Donald returns. A second Super Bowl ring while improving the longevity numbers gives him a great shot at being viewed as the GOAT pass rusher.
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Rams fans have got their wish. Donald returns to the league and gets to play alongside the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garret.
It’s a combo the league, and it’s history has never seen before. Coordinators around the league have their work cut out.
For Los Angeles, this year is the definition of Super Bowl or bust. They have a 38-year-old MVP at quarterback, a tremendous corner and pass rusher acquired by giving away draft capital, and a team that is an average of 26.35 years old.
That ranks seventh oldest in the league. There is no guarantee that this Rams team will be this good in the coming years. Stafford’s age may get to him and he begins a sharp decline. QBs his age are no strangers to sudden drops in production.
There’s a chance that Donald only plays one year, especially if the year doesn’t go well or if he feels like he is not producing up to his standard. These, of course, are hypothetical but are not outside the realm of possibilities.
Will Los Angeles win a Super Bowl, or will they have a disappointing year? Everyone awaits the answer as Donald returns to the NFL in Australia for his return.
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