Rams’ Donald retires after dominant decade in league

LOS ANGELES >> Aaron Donald spent 10 years flattening quarterbacks, crushing ball-carriers, fighting through perpetual doubleteams and generally wrecking NFL offenses. He was relentless, reliable and infinitely resourceful while he led the Los Angeles Rams all the way to a Super Bowl.

And on Friday, Donald decided a decade of dominance was enough.

The most accomplished defensive lineman of his generation has retired after a stellar 10-year career.

The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year made his somewhat surprising announcement on social media.

Also on Friday, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo signed with the Rams as the backup to Matthew Stafford.

Steelers trade QB Pickett to Eagles

The brief and tumultuous Kenny Pickett era in Pittsburgh is over.

The Steelers are trading the quarterback to the Philadelphia Eagles, multiple sources told The Associated Press. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not official.

Cowboys release Vander Esch, Gallup

The Dallas Cowboys released linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and receiver Michael Gallup, cutting ties with two of their top three picks from the 2018 draft.

Vander Esch was released with a failed physical designation after missing 12 games with a neck injury in 2023.

The move on former Colorado State standout Gallup was a cost-cutter for Dallas, just two years into the fiveyear contract he signed not long after an ACL tear.

Allen traded from Chargers to Bears

Keenan Allen, the Chargers’ longest-tenured player, was traded to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick late Thursday night.

Allen has spent his entire 11-year career with the Chargers.