The Los Angeles Rams completed their ultimate goal last season by winning their first Super Bowl in L.A., but the key now is making that success sustainable to build a dynasty.
The front office has remained aggressive by signing a likely future Hall of Fame linebacker in Bobby Wagner and adding one of the top free-agent wide receivers available, Allen Robinson. They were also able to sign Matthew Stafford to a contract extension.
The Rams have also been pursuing extensions with two more of their biggest stars in Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp with the hopes of getting those deals done soon.
While Donald and the Rams work toward an extension, the superstar defensive lineman has already begun to prepare for the 2022-23 season by working out in Pittsburgh, his hometown. Donald’s speed trainer posted some of the workout videos to Twitter:
@AaronDonald97. Back in Burgh Working 馃懀馃拡馃Ж馃挩 @RamsNFL. @NFL. @RamsNationLAX. @RamsNationCom. @prospectmedia_. #2TenthstheBluePrint pic.twitter.com/aWAGolTkD4
— 2 注砖讬专讬讜转 (@210ths) April 1, 2022
@AaronDonald97. Back in Burgh Working 馃懀馃拡馃Ж馃挩 @RamsNFL. @NFL. @RamsNationLAX. @RamsNationCom. @prospectmedia_. #2TenthstheBluePrint pic.twitter.com/JWv98vN6tw
— 2 注砖讬专讬讜转 (@210ths) April 1, 2022
@AaronDonald97. still out here Working 馃懀馃拡馃Ж馃挩 @RamsNFL. @NFL. @prospectmedia_. @RamsNationLAX @LA_RamsReport @EdOBrienCFB. @RamsNationCP @RamsNFLReport #hardworkpaysoff #2TenthstheBluePrint pic.twitter.com/Y1PGljZCwL
— 2 注砖讬专讬讜转 (@210ths) April 4, 2022
@AaronDonald97. still out here Working 馃懀馃拡馃Ж馃挩 @RamsNFL. @NFL. @prospectmedia_. @RamsNationLAX @LA_RamsReport @EdOBrienCFB. @RamsNationCP @RamsNFLReport #hardworkpaysoff #2TenthstheBluePrint pic.twitter.com/wXEsTtsmeM
— 2 注砖讬专讬讜转 (@210ths) April 4, 2022
Prior to the Super Bowl, there was some speculation that Donald may retire if the Rams won, but that idea was quickly shut down with head coach Sean McVay confirming Donald will return.
The 30-year-old is coming off a season where he had 84 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hits and 12.5 sacks in 17 games. In four playoff games, the eight-time Pro Bowler added 13 tackles, four tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits and 3.5 sacks.
McVay praises Wagner’s leadership
The Rams under general manager Les Snead and McVay have never invested much in the inside linebacker position. However, it seems the duo shifted their thinking when Wagner was released from the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams and Wagner were able to agree on functionally a two-year deal, and McVay had high praise for his ability as a leader.
The loss of respected captains and veterans had to factor in the front office鈥檚 offseason strategy as those voices were a key part in their championship run. Wagner was lauded as a leader during his time with the Seahawks and figures to step in and resume that role on the defense.
