Rams' Aaron Donald flirting with retirement?

Either Donald is having some fun on wild-card weekend while he and the Rams sit at home, or the nine-year vet is seriously contemplating hanging up his cleats. 

If Donald is thinking about calling it a career, it wouldn't be the first time he's found himself at retirement's door. Last May, Donald sent the Rams a letter announcing he was walking away. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the letter addressed to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell included instructions to send it to the league office. But, as we all know, the letter never made it, and Donald played in 2022. 

The afternoon excitement surrounding Donald's bio must've sent shockwaves through the Rams' fanbase, especially after Sean McVay flirted with leaving before announcing Friday that he was coming back for 2023. But for now, it appears the nine-time Pro Bowler will be back next season. The Rams reworked Donald's contract in June, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with an average salary of $31.6M. 

Donald had a down year, finishing with 49 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble in 11 games for the Rams. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, missing the remainder of the year.