Aaron Donald sent shockwaves through the NFL world when he announced his retirement last spring, telling Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay that his cup was full. Last summer, general manager Les Snead mentioned on the Rich Eisen Show that he told Aaron Donald that if the team made the playoffs he could expect a phone call from the franchise to check if the cup was still full and left the door open to a Donald comeback.
Rich Eisen reminded the world of this statement just last week, saying that now that the Rams are thoroughly in the playoff conversation, “Somebody better call Aaron.”
While the thought of a return would make even the most casual fan giddy at the possibilities, Sean McVay stuck a different tone when asked about getting a hold of Donald.
Sean McVay: Would Be Disrespectful to Call Aaron Donald
“I would almost feel disrespectful reaching out to him,” McVay told reporters, “just based on the principles and knowing him the way that I do. If that was something that he got interested in, then that would obviously be something that you’re always open to.”
There are a million questions about whether or not Donald is interested or if a move like that would work out as all expect it will. But even Snead retroactively mirrored McVay’s sentiment, saying;
“I doubt Aaron’s gonna do that. Aaron is one of those guys. He’s so principled. I’m not sure if he would. He might feel uncomfortable with that. ‘You know what, I didn’t go through those other 18 with the guys I’m not sure I can go through the playoffs with them.'”
The Rams defense certainly could use an upgrade, even if it isn’t from Donald. They are currently allowing the 8th most yards, the 9th most points, and have allowed the 7th most expected points adder per play.