Aaron Donald caps perfect Rams offseason while 49ers continue to falter

The Los Angeles Rams realized what many said was only a fanciful dream by convincing legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald to come out of retirement. He signed a one-year contract worth up to $30 million to play alongside the recently acquired Myles Garrett.

With the rival Seattle Seahawks fresh off a Super Bowl victory, both the Rams and San Francisco 49ers are making a push to reclaim the NFC West (and possibly NFL) title away from their foes up north. So far, one team has put together a much more robust performance in the last few months.

While the Rams continue to add elite talent, solidifying themselves as NFC favorites, the 49ers are bailing water and trying to put out many fires, some self-inflicted and some not.

Rams capped offseason with Aaron Donald's return while 49ers faded

The 49ers have dealt with their seemingly trademark series of injuries once again, with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall set to miss all of 2026 and prize offseason addition Mike Evans also getting dinged up. Their 2026 draft class was not well received, namely with the selections of receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and running back Kaelon Black multiple rounds before most expected.

This came after an offseason of even more change, as Niners lost well-regarded defensive play-caller Robert Saleh to the Titans' head coaching position. Tight end George Kittle is working back from an injury, and star tackle Trent Williams is getting very long in the tooth.

Oh, and Brandon Aiyuk is currently in the middle of debasing himself as he refuses to even show up to camp. The Rams, meanwhile, have built one of the best defensive lines we have ever seen. Myles Garrett will team up with Donald to put together a unit that even the 49ers' younger, healthier peak selves would need to respect.

Rams have gained an obvious edge on their bitter rivals

The Rams achieved some clarity on Matthew Stafford's future this offseason while finding a long-term answer in Ty Simpson. Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are still in the fold, and the addition of Trent McDuffie gives them a true shutdown corner.

That's not even discussing what has happened to their new Donald-enhanced defensive line.

The 49ers could shut up these doubters by upsetting LA when they begin the season against one another in Australia, but based on how the two teams have been trending in their pursuits to dethrone the Seahawks, LA appears to be in much stronger position.

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