The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line experienced a massive shake up when Aaron Donald surprisingly announced his retirement from the NFL.
Donald had been mulling retirement for years, and the all-world defensive tackle finally decided to walk away from the game of football. The Rams now suddenly find themselves with a major hole up front defensively that they’ll need to address this offseason.
There aren’t enough words to describe the impact that Donald had on Los Angeles defense, and now head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula will need to figure out a way to make up even a fraction of his production. The 2024 NFL Draft features several talented defensive linemen, though no one should expect a rookie to come in and outright replace Donald.
While Los Angeles will be without Donald, they did bring back another defensive lineman in Larrell Murchison, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team:
A former fifth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans, Murchison spent three seasons with them before he was waived. Murchison was claimed off waivers by Los Angeles and had two sacks in his debut against the Denver Broncos.
The defensive lineman appeared in 15 games for the Rams in the 2023 season, totaling 16 tackles. He also played on special teams, making him a useful depth pierce on the roster.
A one-year deal seems like a solid bet on a player like Murchison who’s had some flashes on the defensive end. Although the Rams will surely add a couple of defensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, keeping players like Murchison helps keep some continuity on the defense.
Murchison should see more snaps defensively in 2024 given his experience and familiarity with the system, but Los Angeles will definitely to find ways to beef up the defensive line now that Donald’s gone.
Jonah Jackson says it means a lot to be part of Rams organization
While the defensive line suffered a major loss in Donald, the offensive line got much stronger in free agency. After agreeing to terms with Kevin Dotson, the Rams went out and signed former Detroit Lions left guard Jonah Jackson.
When his signing was officially announced, Jackson revealed how much it means to him to be part of the organization after watching them from afar.
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