Sean McVay Hints at Aaron Donald's Return to Rams in New Update Amid Rumors Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay provided a positive and encouraging update to reporters on Friday regarding the potential return of superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who is considering a comeback after a two-year retirement following a phenomenal 10-year career.

The Rams are currently holding training camp at Loyola Marymount University until Thursday, August 6, per Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. L.A. will then head back to its practice facility in Woodland Hills, California, so based on McVay's comments, an answer doesn't appear likely for at least a week.

Donald played all 10 of his seasons with the Rams. He posted a 17-game average of 12 sacks, 60 tackles and 29 quarterback hits, per Pro Football Reference. Donald finished with 111 sacks, including an NFL-high 20.5 in 2018, when the Rams won the NFC.

Three years later, the Rams won the Super Bowl. Donald, an eight-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, led the Rams with 12.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits.

If Donald returns, he would join a team that just added another multi-time Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett, who just posted an NFL record 23 sacks in 2025. Garrett arrived in town after the Rams acquired him via trade with the Cleveland Browns, and L.A. looks primed for another deep playoff run after an NFC Championship Game appearance last season.

A Donald-Garrett combo could be a nightmare for opposing offenses, and that duo doesn't even include other Rams' defensive players, including Bryant Young and Trent McDuffie, who arrived in town via trade from the Kansas City Chiefs.

It probably won't be too long before we find out Donald's status. The beginning of the 2026 season will be here soon enough, with the Rams playing the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 10 in Melbourne, Australia to begin their campaign.