Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Donald locked himself into a one-year, $20 million deal to resume his illustrious NFL career Sunday. So now the 35-year-old leaves many across the league believing he'll play a smaller role with the Los Angeles Rams. But NFL insider Ian Rapoport isn't buying that notion.
Rapoport weighed in on Donald's proposed role after the Rams re-added their past three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
“Part of me wants to say ‘expect Aaron Donald to come in and be a part-time player.' I know the player too well. And I know human nature too well. We can talk about how he can come in and play 10 to 15 plays a game and sure, that's a possibility,” Rapoport explained. “But with the game on the line, even in the trenches during the third and fourth quarter, he's going to want to play.”
Indeed Donald likely wants to play a pivotal role here. His decision points to wanting to form a tandem with fellow NFL DPOY winner Myles Garrett, who the Rams added via trade in June. Now LA features two former DPOY winners on the same defensive line, a rarity across the league.
“I expect him to be a full-time contributor,” Rapoport said. “However many snaps that is, we shall see.”
So Rapoport rises as one who doesn't believe head coach Sean McVay will put Donald on a limited snap count. Even a Rams rival launched a countermove amid Donald's return.
The San Francisco 49ers traded for Jarrett Patterson of the Houston Texans to boost their protection Sunday. And that move came amid Donald's official signing.