Before Aaron Donald announced his retirement from the NFL, the defensive back told Rams coach Sean McVay that he was “complete” after playing 10 seasons in the NFL, but general manager Les Snead has some hope that there is still room.
During an appearance on Rich Eisen’s program on Thursday, Snead discussed Donald’s decision to retire and recounted a conversation he had with Donald after informing the team of his plans. Snead said he referenced safety Eric Weddle coming out of retirement to join the team’s run to the Super Bowl LVI championship while telling Donald he might hear from the Rams later in the season.
“I mentioned to Aaron this coming back to our Super Bowl run, that there was a player named Eric Weddle who kind of jumped into the playoffs,” Snead said. We signed him to the practice squad and elevated him four games in a row to a Super Bowl championship. So, I mentioned that if we make the playoffs again, maybe we’ll go back and see if the cup isn’t full yet. But this is just a rumor. I doubt Aaron will do that. “Aaron is one of those guys who is so principled that he can feel uncomfortable thinking, ‘You know what, I didn’t make it through the other 18 years with those guys, I’m not sure I can make it through the playoffs with them. Of course. We can try it. No breaking news here.
Weddle didn’t have a Super Bowl ring when he decided to return to active duty with the Rams, but Donald has one to go along with the many other accomplishments he’s achieved throughout his career. That would seem to make any hopes of a return a long shot, but it certainly won’t hurt Snead or the Rams to ask.
