Rams' McVay Open to Aaron Donald Return; Would Be Disrespectful to Contact Retired DT

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is open to the concept of former defensive tackle Aaron Donald returning to the team, but he doesn't plan on reaching out to the retired superstar.

"I would almost feel disrespectful reaching out to him, just based on the principles and knowing him the way that I do," McVay said, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. "If that was something that he got interested in, then that would obviously be something that you're always open to."

Rams general manager Les Snead revealed in May that he spoke with Donald regarding a potential return for a postseason run, while wide receiver Cooper Kupp confirmed that the 33-year-old's locker is still available if he wants to come back.

The Rams opened the year by winning just one of their first five games, but they've rallied to contend for the NFC West crown. They currently sit at 8-6, owning the top spot in the division.

The Seattle Seahawks (8-6) and Arizona Cardinals (7-7) are both challenging for the division lead as well.

While it isn't hard to imagine Donald still being able to make an impact if he were to suit up again, a return to Los Angeles at this point in the season may be unlikely. The Rams placed him on the reserve/retired list on July 26, with the deadline for players emerging from the list occurring on the final business day before Week 13 (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).

Los Angeles could technically release Donald from the reserve/retired list and then subsequently sign him as a free agent, but he'd need to clear waivers first. After he earned another All-Pro nod in 2023, an opposing team would certainly scoop him up on waivers for their own playoff push.

Donald retired as one of the best interior defensive linemen in NFL history, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards and earning 10 Pro Bowl selections to go along with eight First-Team All-Pro appearances.

He finished his career with 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss and 24 forced fumbles.

Donald has already experienced immense success in the playoffs, helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.

McVay's team has bounced back from a slow start to contend for a second consecutive postseason appearance in 2024, but a reunion with one of the franchise's all-time greats may not come to fruition.