Rams 'Definitely Hope' Aaron Donald Returns for 2024 NFL Season, GM Les Snead Says

To the surprise of nobody, the Los Angeles Rams hope Aaron Donald comes back for the 2024 campaign.

"Definitely hope Aaron is," general manager Les Snead told reporters Wednesday when asked if he expects the star defensive tackle to return. "… I know Aaron is definitely approaching the offseason where he's doing his normal getting-away, somewhat trying to get revitalized with the goal of playing good football."

Donald is under contract through the upcoming season, but he has considered retirement in the past.

He openly talked about potentially walking away after the Rams won the Super Bowl during the 2021 season and has since played multiple campaigns.

The future Hall of Famer turns 33 years old this offseason and has 10 seasons with the Rams under his belt. His resume includes the Super Bowl title, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, 10 Pro Bowl nods and eight First Team All-Pro selections.

Donald isn't quite the same defensive force based on production as he was at his peak when he tallied double-digit sacks in five consecutive seasons from 2017 through 2021, including when he led the league with 20.5 in 2018.

Yet he was still effective in 2023 with 53 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three passes defended despite facing constant double teams.

That was good enough for a spot on the First Team All-Pro and a head-turning overall player grade of 90.9 from Pro Football Focus.

Snead wasn't definitive about knowing that Donald will return in 2024, but the Rams likely need him back and anchoring the middle of their defense if they are going to build on last season's 10-7 record and postseason appearance.