Los Angeles Rams Roster: Aaron Donald, Odell Beckham, Von Miller Could Leave Super Bowl Champs

The Los Angeles Rams went “all in'' for the 2021 NFL season, building a roster loaded with stars that led to a Super Bowl championship. Winning a second straight title will prove to be difficult with some of the team’s best players potentially headed elsewhere for the 2022 season.

Defensive star Aaron Donald told NBC’s Rodney Harrison before the game that he might retire if Los Angeles beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl. Von Miller and Odell Beckham, both of whom were added to the roster by the Rams in the middle of the season, are set to become free agents.

The Rams’ starting offensive line could look different next season. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth could call it a career. Center Brian Allen and right guard Austin Corbett are unsigned beyond this season.

Starting cornerback Darious Williams is headed for free agency, as well.

Only five teams are projected to be further over the salary cap than the Rams for the 2022 season. Los Angeles’ top free agents can get more money by signing elsewhere.

After winning last year's Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to bring back all 22 starters for the 2021 season.

Donald is, of course, the most important player who could leave the Rams. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year arguably should’ve won the Super Bowl MVP award instead of receiver Cooper Kupp. Donald had two sacks and hit Joe Burrow on Cincinnati’s final offensive play of the game, clinching a Rams’ victory.

The best defensive player of his generation, Donald has been a key part of Los Angeles’s four playoff appearances and two trips to the Super Bowl in the last five years. Donald has a $26.75 million cap hit for next season.

Miller also had two sacks in the Super Bowl, putting pressure on Burrow for much of the game. With nine sacks in his last eight games, the 32-year-old proved that he can still be a devastating pass rusher in the NFL.

Miller would likely have to take a discount to stay in L.A. The same goes for Beckham, who might’ve been on his way toward winning the Super Bowl MVP award before a knee injury ended his night prematurely.

Beckham had been on track to be one of the NFL’s most sought-after free agents. There have already been rumors that he could land with the Kansas City Chiefs. If Beckham’s injury is expected to cost him time in the 2022 season, it might increase his chances of remaining in Los Angeles.

Given that cornerback Jalen Ramsey is signed to a $100 million contract, the Rams might have to let Williams walk in free agency. Williams had nine passes defended but no interceptions in his third season with L.A.

Seven players on the Rams' roster have a cap hit north of $15 million for next season. Matthew Stafford has a $12.5 million base salary and a $10 million roster bonus. Kupp’s base salary is $14.875 million in 2022.

Before free agency and the draft, the Rams have the third-best Super Bowl 2023 odds.