Sean McVay and Aaron Donald Had 'Unspoken Understanding' of Retirement

According to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, Aaron Donald's retirement was far from a surprise.

Arizona Cardinals v Los Angeles Rams / Harry How/GettyImages

Los Angeles Rams fans were floored when superstar defensive tackle and future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald elected to annouce his retirement earlier this month.

Not only does it leave a gaping hole along the defensive front, but it also is a major loss in the locker room for the Rams as well.

However, despite the national surprise of Donald's decision, it appears as though head coach Sean McVay and the Rams front office were well aware that 2023 could end up being his final campaign.

NFC Wild Card Playoffs - Los Angeles Rams v Detroit Lions / Gregory Shamus/GettyImages

“Aaron and I have such a special relationship,” McVay told NFL Network. “You know being around somebody as long as I’ve been around. When they are savoring moments, they are taking it in and without having to say, there was kind of unspoken understanding that I had that this was probably going to be his last year."

That said, even knowing it was his last season did not affect Donald's effort or stop him from being a dominate force, finishing the year with 53 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

He also continued to being a key figure in the locker room for L.A., who had one of the more inexperienced rosters - particularly on defense, in the entire NFL.

"What a great job he did leading, influencing and affecting throughout the course of his career, but it was really on display this year," McVay said. "With how young we were, especially on the defensive side of the ball."

Now, the Rams will move forward through the rest of free agency and into the NFL Draft, hoping to find a way to minimize the damage from the loss of a man who is in the conversation as the greatest defensive player of all time.

They will have their options. Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has drawn Donald comparisons at times, while other players at the position in the draft also provide tremendous upside.

Fortunately, no matter what they decide to do, they have had plenty of time to prepare for this scenario.

But obviously, as McVay is fully aware, no matter who they bring in, they will not be Donald.

"We’ve known for a while and you never replace an Aaron Donald," McVay said. "Fortunately, we had a little bit of time to get our ducks in a row but man, there’s truly one of one when you talk about him.”