This offseason, speculation about Aaron Donald’s possible return to the Los Angeles Rams has stirred significant concern among NFL quarterbacks, particularly those in the NFC West. Donald, a former three-time Defensive Player of the Year, has been retired happily for two years. However, the Rams recently acquired Myles Garrett, the reigning sack leader, which has sparked Donald’s interest in a comeback.
The prospect of facing the formidable duo of Donald and Garrett is causing unease among quarterbacks in the NFC. During a recent guest appearance on the podcast “Green Light With Chris Long,” Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff expressed his apprehension about encountering Donald again in the playoffs. Goff, a former teammate of Donald’s from 2016 to 2020, shared his thoughts candidly.
“How many snaps a game do you think he gives the Rams this year if he comes back?” Chris Long asked Goff.
“Hopefully zero,” Goff replied jokingly. “In that playoff game, we beat [the Rams] and I’m like, ‘We did it; Aaron’s done. I don’t have to see him ever again.’ And he’s like, ‘Hold on, I might come back.’ So, we’ll see. If he comes back, I’m sure he’ll help them a lot. We might see them in the playoffs, and I can’t say enough good things about him.”
During their tenure together, Donald and Goff helped guide the Rams to three playoff berths and a Super Bowl appearance. Since being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2021, Goff has faced the Rams twice, recording a 1-1 record. The Lions’ 24-23 playoff victory over the Rams in 2023 marked Donald’s final game before his retirement announcement.