Aaron Donald and the Rams remain open to a reunion. Another step indicating that will indeed happen in the near future recently took place
Donald took part in a workout with the Rams on Friday, as first reported by TMZ (and confirmed by USA Today’s Tyler Dragon). This latest development comes after weeks of speculation regarding a return to the NFL following two seasons of retirement. Donald has received considerable attention since hinting he would unretire in the wake of Los Angeles’ Myles Garretttrade acquisition.
Donald and Rams head coach Sean McVay have remained in contact recently, and the expectation inside and outside the organization has increased with respect to a deal being struck. Friday’s on-field work does not guarantee anything, of course. That is especially true given the regularity with which Donald has visited the Rams’ facility
During an appearance on SportsCenter yesterday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted (h/t Bleacher Report) Donald has been with the Rams “on and off” following his retirement. Friday’s workout was far from his first or only such visit to the team’s facility. Nevertheless, Fowler added a potential Donald return is still something being monitored closely around the league, and this latest news will certainly not quell interest in that regard
The Rams included Jared Verse as part of the trade package for Garrett. Even so, the team’s defensive front is already seen as one of the league’s best as things stand. Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske are in position to handle starting duties along the interior, with Garrett and Byron Young atop the edge rush depth chart. Adding Donald to that mix – presumably, to have him handle a lower workload than his prime years – would add further to the potential of the unit
Donald, 35, had previously been mentioned as a candidate to suit up midway through the season. Per Fowler, though, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is seen by general manager Les Snead as someone who will only commit to a return if he can do it “all in and be ready to go.” That suggests an official arrangement allowing for Donald to play in 2026 could be in place by the start of training camp later this month, although Fowler reports a final decision with respect to unretiring has not yet been made.
