could this be it for aaron donald?

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has done a lot in his career. Along with his recent Super Bowl trophy, Donald has stacked up three Defensive Player of the Year awards, seven All-Pro nods, and has been a Pro Bowler in all of his eight seasons in the NFL. But, at 31, Donald is in the midst of contract talks with his team and isn't shying away from the retirement talk.

As a guest on the 'I Am Athlete' podcast, Donald explained his decision to contemplate walking away from the game he loves. What's super interesting to me; is Donald said he went into the NFL expecting to play eight seasons. Now that his eighth season is up -- what's next? While many signs point to a deal getting worked out between Donald and the Rams, it's not going to be under his current contract. So, how long will we continue seeing Donald in an NFL uniform?

---

Aaron Donald is at peace with retiring if a new contract with the Rams doesn't get worked out.

(via @IAMATHLETEpod) pic.twitter.com/IxWiDzhqMu

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 30, 2022

You can watch the full episode here:

more:

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed veteran defensive lineman Akiem Hicks to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million. Quite a big signing for a player who has only a year or two left in the tank. The past three seasons have not been kind to Hicks as far as injuries go, but Hicks may get the chance to ride with a contender in his go-around in the NFL.
  

Former Bears’ DL Akiem Hicks reached agreement today on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per source. Deal negotiated by Bucs’ exec Mike Greenberg and agents @DrewJRosenhaus and @RyanMatha.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 31, 2022

• Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is heading into his second season 14 pounds heavier than his listed weight of 230. Eddie Lacy 2.0? Not so fast. Most players gain weight during the offseason in preparation for the workload of training camp and the upcoming season—no need to panic.
  

Najee Harris weighs 244. Look out NFL

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 31, 2022

• Speaking of panicking... Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that left tackle David Bakhtiari would "hopefully" be ready by training camp. -record scratch - "Hopefully?" Bakhtiari seems to still be recovering from that knee injury he sustained in 2020, which kept him out for the entirety of 2021. The team has been saying they don't think this knee injury is a long-term problem or a career-ender, but it crosses into "we're concerned" territory if he's not ready by next month.
  

Matt LaFleur on David Bakhtiari not on the field for OTAs:

"Our plan all along was to hold him from this and get strong and hopefully be ready to go for training camp."

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 31, 2022

• All charges against Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy were dropped after being arrested for second-degree domestic tampering in May. The woman involved in the case said she didn't consider Jeudy a threat. However, Jeudy was seen on the Broncos' practice field on Tuesday.
  

DA files motion to dismiss charge against Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy https://t.co/EGIGtjgZX2 via @9NEWS #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) May 31, 2022