New Aaron Donald Rumors on Timeline, Likely Role for Potential Rams Return amid Retirement

The Aaron Donald rumors persist.

On Thursday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that Donald "does not really know himself whether this is going to happen" regarding a potential NFL comeback and is going to attempt to see if he could get in football shape in the coming weeks before making a decision.

While Donald "does seem to be exploring this possibility," per Rapoport, it's unlikely he'd join the Los Angeles Rams until later in training camp or even at some point during the 2026 season.

Rapoport also noted the defensive tackle would be "more of a spot guy" in the lineup if he does return, rather than a starter who plays over 50 snaps a game.

The speculation about Donald coming out of retirement caught fire given recent workout videos of the former superstar at L.A.'s facilities.

The Rams also loaded up on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, adding defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Adding Donald would be unfair.

Granted, the 35-year-old hasn't played professional football since the 2023 season, a three-year gap. There's no guarantee he would return as the elite player he was before he retired, when he was an eight-time first-team All-Pro, 10-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

A defensive line with that version of Donald and Garrett would be horrifying. Even if Donald is understandably no longer that player, he'd still likely be a solid addition at 70-80 percent of his former ability. Certainly the Rams would be willing to take a chance on whatever he has left in the tank.

For now, Donald seems undecided. But it sounds as though he's going to legitimately explore the possibility.