Rams Retirement Risk Rankings: Who’s Likely To Retire After 2022?
The Los Angeles Rams have come out of the Super Bowl as Champions and are now trying to defend their title. The good news is they have kept the most important parts of their roster intact. However, going into the Super Bowl, many were startled to hear rumors about Sean McVay and Aaron Donald considering retirement. Both seem committed to 2022, but how nervous should fans be about losing either Rams retirements after the season concludes? Here’s a look at some of the most likely Rams retirements following the 2022 season. Additionally, there will be a rating from 1-to-10 evaluating their retirement risk. Ten, of course, means retirement is imminent.
Aaron Donald – Rams Retirement Risk Rank: 7
Aaron Donald has been clear about wanting to return to the Rams, but it is also clear he wants an updated contract and technically retirement is still on the table if he doesn’t get a new deal. He’s been quoted saying that he came into the league wanting to play eight years and that he’s “at peace” with his career at this point.
At 31 years old, he would be a somewhat young retiree, but not by much. After 2022, at 32 years old, he would be retiring “on time” in the eyes of many. Of course, with Von Miller on a new contract taking him to the doorstep of 40 years old, some would say his retirement would be nearly a decade too soon. However, in a recent interview on the I Am Athlete podcast, the pass rusher revealed a desire to get into acting and other things. The question is, when will he hang up his cleats to pursue those other careers?
Sean McVay – Rams Retirement Risk Rank: 6
Sean McVay had a strange quote before the Super Bowl in which he basically said he was considering ending his coaching career. At 36 years old, the coach could easily coach for several more decades. However, to be talking about retirement at such a young age should have fans on red alert.
Even if he coaches with fire in 2022, will this serve as his farewell tour? Since the words came directly from his mouth, it is clear the head coach has been thinking about leaving the game for quite some time. With a moribund 2022 season, the door to retirement could seem much more tempting. However, with another deep playoff push or Super Bowl victory, it would be tough to walk away when one is still winning and young.
Bobby Wagner – Rams Retirement Risk Rank: 6
Bobby Wagner is 31 years old and has already seen a plethora of success with the Seattle Seahawks. Now a member of their arch-rival, the middle linebacker is embarking on a four-year deal.. In his final year with the Seahawks, the linebacker was still playing at a decent level, but had taken a step back compared to the previous year. In 2020, he earned an 83.2 PFF grade. In 2021, he earned a 71.8 PFF grade.
While he is secure in his job for several more years, a downtrend in playing ability could lead him to a place where he doesn’t want to play if he’s not as dominant as he was in his prime. Basically, his age could tempt him to step away next year if he takes another step back in 2022. Additionally, if the Rams win the Super Bowl again, the linebacker may be tempted to walk out on top.
Rob Havenstein – Rams Retirement Risk Rank: 4
Now on the plus side of 30 years old, Rob Havenstein is entering the twilight of his NFL career. The offensive lineman hasn’t made any overt retirement suggestions in the vein of Donald or McVay, but the age of the lineman now makes it something to keep on the radar. In 2021, Havenstein earned an 81.5 PFF grade. In 2020, he earned an 80.2 PFF grade. Put simply, as long as his play maintains, he will be able to stick around for as long as he wants.
