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Deebo Samuel may be the only 49ers player happy Aaron Donald has returned to the Rams

The rivalry has been renewed.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel | USA TODAY Sports

Well, every San Francisco 49ers fan’s worst fear has come true: Aaron Donald has come out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams. While there really aren’t a ton of positives with this news, at least it will renew the legendary rivalry between Donald and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

The two have a storied history dating back to Samuel’s first stint with the Niners. Donald famously replied, “Who?” when he was asked about Deebo, and the pass catcher made sure to chirp back.

He said he had never had a conversation with Donald and did not want to have one. He also made sure to troll him on social media after the Niners beat the Rams.

Deebo has to be happy Donald is back, though.  More often than not, Samuel and the Niners usually came out on top when they faced their division rivals. Perhaps that bodes well as the two juggernauts prepare to kick off their season against each other in Melbourne.

Deebo Samuel may be in for a rude awakening after Donald's return

Still, the fact that Donald will now join a defensive line that also features Myles Garrett is an absolute nightmare fuel for the 49ers. Add in the 49ers' mystery at left guard, and it’s only natural to start worrying about how the O-line will hold up against LA’s formidable front.

Maybe the Niners could pursue a reunion, or multiple, to beef up the offensive line. Laken Tomlinson is still a free agent, and he could fill in nicely at left guard. Daniel Brunskill is also on the market, and he was known for his ability to block Donald during his time in the Bay.

The Donald addition further puts the two teams at odds, specifically at defensive line. The Rams seem to be assembling a super-team, and the Niners have nothing but question marks on the defensive line.

Nick Bosa is dealing with the effects of last year’s ACL tear, Mykel Williams may not be ready for Week 1, and Alfred Collins hasn’t looked great this preseason. Osa Odighizuwa looks like he may be a great addition, but outside of him, it’s iffy.

The 49ers-Rams rivalry has been great for a long time, but it’s going to feel extra special now that both Donald and Samuel are in the fold. The two veterans clearly don't care for each other, which only adds more intrigue to the Week 1 contest in Australia. 

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