Andrew Whitworth, the former Rams offensive tackle, laid it out plain and simple: if he were Aaron Donald's age right now, he'd be back on the field without a shadow of a doubt. Whitworth, at 44 years old, looks at 35-year-old Donald and sees an opportunity he'd jump on, telling the Bleav Network, "If I was his age, there's no question I'd be coming back." While Whitworth won't be coming out of retirement this year himself, the burning question remains about Donald's status, which is absolutely "up in the air."
Myles Garrett Changes the Game
Whitworth's strong stance makes a ton of sense when you look at the Rams' new defensive firepower. Adding Myles Garrett, officially "the best defender in football," isn't just a shiny new toy, it makes the entire roster "even better." Think about it: when you bring in a force like Garrett, opposing offenses have to completely rework their game plans to try and contain him. This opens up doors for every other player on that defense. Teammates are hyped to hit the field with Garrett because they know the pressure he draws means individual success is practically guaranteed for them. It sounds like a dream scenario for any defender, and it’s no wonder Whitworth, a staunch supporter of Donald's return, sees it as a prime reason to lace up the cleats.A Completely New Locker Room
But here's the kicker, the one part of the equation that could make Donald's decision a tough one: if he does return, he's walking into a locker room he barely recognizes. When Donald retired after the 2023 season, linebacker Byron Young was the only defensive starter left. Let that sink in. The Super Bowl LVI winning team from 2021? Only four players from that squad remain: tight end Tyler Higbee, tackle Alaric Jackson, center Coleman Shelton, and quarterback Matthew Stafford. Every single defensive player from that championship team is gone, including, for now, Donald himself. Even from the 2023 roster, only six players are left: those four, plus offensive lineman Kevin Dotson and defensive tackle Larrell Murchison. It's a massive turnover. It's a wild situation: the chance to play alongside the "best defender in football" in Myles Garrett, but also stepping back into a team where the faces and the vibe are almost entirely new. Aaron Donald's choice is still "up in the air," and everyone is waiting to see which way the wind blows on this one.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.