'Aaron is Motivated!': Sean McVay Praises Donald Amidst Roster Overhaul
Since winning Super Bowl LVI, the Los Angeles Rams have fallen on hard times. They plummeted to a 5-12 record last season, and key pieces of that championship team such as cornerback Jalen Ramsey are now gone.
Just over a year after winning it all, L.A.'s future is now full of question marks.
That said, the Rams' stars seem just as motivated to help the team out all the same. Last week, quarterback Matthew Stafford said he was feeling "refreshed" and "excited to be here." Then on Tuesday, head coach Sean McVay confirmed star defensive lineman Aaron Donald's commitment to the team despite the roster overturn.
McVay likened Donald's mindset to his first season as head coach in 2017. The Rams had low expectations that season after not making the playoffs since 2004, but surprised everyone by winning the NFC West and setting the foundation for the future.
“Aaron is a great competitor... Aaron is motivated," McVay said, via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. "The greats elevate people around him. It's a very similar feeling in terms of that outside-in narrative when we first got here."
Since the Rams' Super Bowl victory, Donald has flirted with retirement in each of the last two offseasons. However, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has decided to keep playing on both occasions.
That's good news for L.A., as Donald's veteran leadership will be more important than ever in 2023. Currently, Donald is one of three players on the Rams' defense with experience as a full-time starter, alongside linebacker Ernest Jones and safety Jordan Fuller. Donald's wealth of experience will be crucial to helping the young players on defense find their footing.
The Rams have Donald under contract for the next two seasons, but there is an option for him to walk away after the 2023 season. He has the highest average annual value of any non-QB in the league at $31.67 million.
The Rams may have many questions going forward, but as long as Donald is in L.A., they know they'll have a force on the defensive line.
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