The worst-kept secret in the NFL is finally official. After months of rumors and training camp appearances, Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams in their push to the Super Bowl.
Their entire offseason has been directed towards stacking the roster as much as possible for what could be one of the final years of Matthew Stafford’s career. Now, a former Super Bowl champion is potentially angling towards a return as well to give them another boost.
Aaron Donald Might Bring Reinforcements with Him
With the 53-man roster cutdown day on the horizon, news flew in about Donald officially returning to the NFL on a one-year, $20 million contract with additional incentives. It further enhanced a defense that already added Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett in the offseason.
Given that they have the MVP on offense and a spectacular wide receiver duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the moves took care of virtually every weakness on the roster. Now, they might have a running back joining them as well.
Leonard Fournette, who was a member of the Super Bowl 55-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad, made a direct pitch to Donald on the “4th & South” podcast.
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“I’m excited to see this guy because I think he deserves another ring,” Fournette said about Donald. “I see guys coming out of retirement. I ain’t officially retired yet. But listen, if y’all need me, give me a call.”
A former fourth overall pick, Fournette came into the league with a ton of hype. Spending three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he joined the Buccaneers in 2020 and was invaluable to their victory.
Tallying 300 yards on the ground and an additional 148 yards through the air during the playoffs in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl run, his contribution helped them win another ring. But beyond that nostalgia, Fournette said that he has maintained his physical ability.
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“I work out every day, 5:30, two-a-days. I’m ready to get to it,” he added. “If y’all need me, if there’s some availability, let your boy Playoff Lenny know. I’m here. You need me (as) a short down back, third down back, you know, I’m older, so my role is going to change. But listen, I can still take that thing 90 yards, man.”
It remains to be seen if the Rams take him up on that offer. Between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, they have two legitimate running back options, both of whom ranked inside the top-20 of PFN’s Running Back Impact Metric.
But if they need a veteran leader with a proven track record in the playoffs, then Fournette could be the latest addition to the god squad they’re trying to build.
