Aaron Donald to Return to Rams for 2022 Season Despite Retirement Rumors, McVay Says

Donald will return to the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Tuesday that Donald will play for the team next season.

There were rumors about Donald retiring before the Super Bowl started.

Donald told NBC Sports that he could walk away from the game if the Rams won, according to the broadcast.

Donald didn't answer questions about his future after Los Angeles beat Cincinnati.

Joe Curley @vcsjoecurley

Aaron Donald on the reports he may retire if the Rams win today, “I’m just on the moment… I’m going to enjoy this with my teammates and my family for a couple days, how about that?”@usatodaynfl pic.twitter.com/kONcYnRpzP

Donald has not made a decision on his future, but there have been indications that he would return.

Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month that the Rams were working on a new contract for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Donald could return if the Rams make him an offer to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

Donald has three years left on his contract. According to Spotrac, the eight-time Pro Bowler has the third-highest average annual salary among defensive linemen.

Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders is ahead of Donald with a value of $23.5 million. T.J. Watt has the highest average annual salary among all defensive players.

Donald has been the most dominant defender since being drafted. He has averaged 28.6 quarterback hits, 18.6 for loss tackles and 12.3 sacks per season. He recorded three quarterback hits and two sacks in the Super Bowl.