Report: Aaron Donald Sent Rams Retirement Letter amid Decision About NFL Future

According to Ian Rapoport, Todd France sent a letter to the Los Angeles Rams in May telling them that Donald intended to retire.

The Rams didn't send the letter to the league. Instead, the team and France renewed contract talks and eventually agreed on a raise for Donald that will keep him with the team and on the field for three more years.

The Rams and France had a scheduled meeting the day after the letter was written, and it was productive. The backdrop of Donald's possible retirement prompted the two sides to schedule more meetings.

Rapoport said that the thought of Donald's retirement was real. It was a good idea for both sides to keep talking. The parties had time and a chance to get a new contract done.

Donald will be paid an average of $32 million over the next three seasons and $65 million in guaranteed money over the next two years. Donald will get another $30 million if he comes back for the final year of the contract.

It was a big deal for the Rams. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler, seven-time first-team All-Pro selection, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner and helped lead Los Angeles to a Super Bowl title last season.

In the 2021 season, he registered 25 quarterback hits, 25 tackles for loss, and four forced turnovers. His fifth straight season with double-digit sacks was an incredible achievement for an interior lineman.

Without Donald, it would have been hard to mount a title defense. The Rams were close to facing that reality.