Aaron Donald has not played an NFL game since announcing his retirement before the 2024 season, but talk of a possible return has continued to follow the former Los Angeles Rams star.
That conversation picked up again this week after Donald joined the team during training camp. The Rams have been back on the practice field preparing for the 2026 season, and Donald took part in a workout on Wednesday as he continues to weigh a return to football.
It also gave head coach Sean McVay an opportunity to see one of the franchise's greatest players back on the field.
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McVay was asked about Donald's workout afterward and had plenty of praise for what he saw.
“Did it come across as a try-out? Best try-out we’ve ever had. I think he can make the team,” McVay said, h/t Gregg Rosenthal. “That was honestly our way of being able to get a workout with him, within the parameters of what’s necessary.”
Donald retired as one of the most accomplished defensive players of his generation. The Rams selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he went on to earn 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight First Team All-Pro honors and three Defensive Player of the Year awards during his 10 seasons with the franchise.
He also finished his career with 111 sacks, 543 tackles and 24 forced fumbles while helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
If Donald ultimately decides to return, he would join a Los Angeles defense that already looks much different from last season. The Rams added Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett during the offseason, giving the unit another boost heading into the new year.
A return would also reunite Donald with a defensive front that includes Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and Byron Young.
