Los Angeles Rams fans were thrilled when defensive tackle Aaron Donald responded to head coach Sean McVay that he wants to run it back.
That’s a verbal commitment on record from one of the game’s best who is seriously considering retirement after winning Super Bowl LVI.
However, it’s easy to forget that he was drinking alcohol and facing a massive crowd before that moment.
Therefore, he was not able to expound on what he meant by “running it back.”
He’s still under contract with the Rams until the 2024 season, but he has a potential out before 2022.
Finally, he was able to share what would convince him to return.
In that video by TMZ Sports, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year declared his love for Los Angeles.
But when the cameraman asked if he will be coming back next season, he responded “I’m enjoying the moment. If we bring everybody back, I’m back. Odell Beckham [Jr.], Von Miller, we bring them guys back, let’s make it happen.”
That seems to be a simple condition from the cornerstone of the Rams defense.
Yet for that to happen, general manager Les Snead has some major decisions to make.
Salary Cap Gymnastics For The Rams
As it stands, the Rams will be $21 million over the projected 2022 salary cap.
However, restructuring the deals of some big earners can create up to $70 million in cap space.
That amount should be enough to re-sign Miller and Beckham.
The Rams can convert the base salaries of some players and convert them to a signing bonus which can be distributed throughout the remaining years of a player’s contract.
Donald is eligible for restructuring, so are Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, and Robert Woods.
But they must consider a fair deal for Beckham, given that he might miss the majority of the 2022 regular season due to an ACL injury.
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