Since the news broke that the Los Angeles Rams are trading for Myles Garrett, there have been many who have voiced their opinions on a potential return for future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. Donald and Garrett are arguably the best defensive linemen from their respective generations and the thought process is that even with Donald’s age and two-year hiatus from football, his constant work ethic to remain in top shape – paired with his skill – would be enough to see Donald return to the heights he reached during his career.
Some consider a potential Donald return as a dream, and nothing more than that. Others believe Donald still has the fire to play, but only for the right situation. Donald admitted to Pat McAfee over text message that Garrett’s arrival in LA has “for sure got (him) thinking” about a return. Regardless, if Donald wants to return or not, right now is not the time to explore that idea.
However, if a conversation is to be had, it should come down the line.
The Rams have no need for Donald, and while he went out at the top of his game, one could argue that he let football down right before he hit the downward slope of his career trajectory. Slopes differentiate for different players, and Donald’s slope likely still resembles premier production. Donald also spent his final season eating up double-teams, allowing Kobie Turner and Byron Young to finish one and two among rookies in sacks.
That was also two years ago, and Donald hasn’t played a game since then. He just turned 35, too. Players often retire, not because they don’t have it anymore, but because the week-to-week recovery is too much. Even if the Rams were to limit his snaps, it would still be a lot to ask of him.
The team has more than enough talent to have success for now. With that being said, the Rams’ two Super Bowl trips with Sean McVay were assisted by a mid-season trade for a pass rusher. It’s unlikely the Rams will be able to execute a move this year after the deals for Garrett and Trent McDuffie, but Donald could and should serve as that end-of-season replacement.
Winning in football comes down to talent, but championships are a result of logistics. When the Rams are able to replace talent, they win. Injuries to Robert Woods and Jordan Fuller should’ve derailed the Rams’ trip to Super Bowl LVI. Odell Beckham Jr and Eric Weddle prevented that, as did the addition of Von Miller.
The Rams tend to stumble at times throughout the regular season. If Donald wants to play, he should. The best way to maximize his impact is to maximize his ability to sustain effort. Donald controls what he can, and the Rams should manage the rest. Wait until Week 13, use the remainder of the regular season to get him ready, and let him unleash in the postseason.
That’s the kind of football Donald is built for, and if he comes back, the Rams have only one shot to make it work. Might as well save him for the final steps of a championship campaign. There’s no reason to bring him back early and take reps away from others, subjecting him to potential injuries during the first half of the season.
All I know is that Donald is a tough challenge, regardless of age. For an offensive lineman who’s endured a full season of wear and tear, seeing a fresh Donald line up across from you is the stuff of nightmares. Said offensive lineman is in for a world of hurt – and so is the quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams should postpone potential Aaron Donald return until late in season
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
