Former Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman and 10-time Pro Bowler Aaron Donald is rumored to be considering coming out of retirement. After the team acquired Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns via a trade, Donald spoke to Jordan Schultz and admitted that he is "for sure flirting with the idea"
The speculation has only continued to grow after he was spotted working out at the team's facilities on Friday in a video posted by TMZ. Despite retiring after the 2023 season, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is only 35 years old and could still provide some production for the Rams.
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While a decision may not be imminent, there's a belief that these recent workouts are to determine whether or not he is physically ready for a return. During an appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show," ESPN's Adam Schefter predicted Donald will be coming out of retirement.
“I really think it was just a trial method to see how his whole body, how his mind, reacted to being back out there…. It’s just a question of whether he wants to go through and do it," Schefter said. "My guess is, in the end, that he will, just to guess, because obviously he's thinking hard about it. There are a lot of people that want him back there."
Despite his age, the Rams would welcome the pass rusher back with open arms. In his last season before retiring, he still racked up 53 tackles, eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits and 31 pressures. His Pro Football Focus overall grade of 90.9 during the 2023 season was the second-highest among interior defensive linemen.
If Donald does decide to return, he at minimum gives the Rams one of the most accomplished players in NFL history as a leading voice in the locker room. Lining him up alongside Garrett could create one of the league's most feared pass-rushing duos.
