Aaron Donald’s Potential Return Concerns NFC West Quarterbacks

The NFC West quarterbacks, Brock Purdy of San Francisco, Sam Darnold of Seattle, and Jacoby Brissett of Arizona, are not pleased with the news of Aaron Donald’s possible return to the Los Angeles Rams. Donald, known for his three-time Defensive Player of the Year achievements, had retired two years ago, but talks of a comeback have recently intensified.

Donald retired satisfied after a prosperous career, yet the Rams’ recent signing of reigning sack leader Myles Garrett has sparked his interest in making an NFL comeback. Now, with Donald contemplating a return, quarterbacks across the NFC are worried about facing the formidable duo of Donald and Garrett.

On a recent ‘Green Light With Chris Long’ podcast episode, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who was Donald’s teammate on the Rams, shared his apprehensions. Goff humorously wished Donald would remain retired, recalling their playoff matchups and expressing admiration for Donald’s prowess.

How many snaps a game you think he gives the Rams this year if he comes back? Long asked.

Goff replied jokingly, “Hopefully zero.” He reminisced about a playoff victory against the Rams when he thought he’d never face Donald again. Yet, the possibility of Donald’s return leaves Goff anticipating another challenging confrontation in the playoffs.

Goff and Donald were teammates in Los Angeles from 2016 to 2020, achieving three playoff appearances and a Super Bowl together. Since his trade to the Lions in 2021, Goff has faced the Rams twice, holding a 1-1 record. Notably, his sole win came in a thrilling 24-23 playoff in 2023, marking Donald’s last game before his retirement announcement.