Is Aaron Donald’s Uncertain Future Handcuffing the Rams?

One of the biggest stories throughout training camp for the Los Angeles Rams has been whether Aaron Donald will return to the team. While the possibility seems increasingly likely, no official decision has been made. A timeline of Donald's potential return remains unclear.

The Rams would certainly welcome Donald back with open arms if he decided to return. However, as the team continues to wait, it also impacts their ability to make other moves and figure out how he works in the current defense. 

That’s not to say that the Rams need to put a deadline on a Donald decision. Head coach Sean McVay has remained consistent in that Donald has earned the right to go through his process. 

“I would love to be able to have all this stuff figured out, but like I told you guys from the beginning, he's earned the right,” said McVay on Thursday. “I know he's feeling good and I think he will continue to work out. I'm hopeful that we'll have some answers on that sooner than later.”

Aaron Donald Uncertainty Limits Rams’ Roster Flexibility

While the Rams will continue as is if Donald doesn’t return, the possibility somewhat handcuffs their ability to do anything until he decides. The Rams are currently facing potential suspensions to wide receiver Puka Nacua and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson. If either player is suspended, especially Jackson, the Rams will need to have the option of adding a player. 

As it stands, the Rams would owe Donald $30 million in the case that he decides to return. It’s unlikely that Donald plays on $30 million, but the Rams also only have $15 million in cap space. There are things the Rams can do to open up cap space. 

For example, the Rams could restructure Davante Adams’ contract to open up around $11 million. They just extended Kyren Williams last offseason, but restructuring his contract would open up around $6.5 million. That alone would give the Rams approximately $30 million, which would be enough to sign Donald and give them some space to work with during the season.

Being able to add Donald and a player like Taylor Decker at left tackle is unlikely. Cameron Heyward has a cap number of $23.5 million in 2026 at 37 years old. That wouldn’t be a crazy number for Donald despite being out of the league for two years. If Decker were to come back, he’d want starting left tackle money, which is at minimum $15 million and likely more. It would be very difficult for the Rams to do deals for both. 

Waiting on Aaron Donald Could Cost Rams Elsewhere

The Rams would certainly prefer Donald over Decker. With recent injuries to Laremy Tunsil, it’s possible waiting for Donald could result in the Rams missing out on a player like Decker. That’s arguably already been the case at wide receiver. Despite the Rams needing an experienced third wide receiver given Nacua’s situation, they have missed out on Stephon Diggs and Keenan Allen. 

Pending Jackson’s potential suspension, it would certainly be disappointing if the Rams were to miss out on Decker because they’re waiting on Donald. Once Donald makes his decision and the structure of his contract is worked out, the Rams can see what flexibility they have to sign other players. Until then, their options are limited while they await Donald’s decision. 

As McVay mentioned, Donald has earned the right to go through his process and ensure that his body is where it needs to be before making a decision. The Rams also aren’t going to put a deadline on him making that decision. If Donald wants to come back, the Rams will have him back whether that’s before Week 1 or in Week 15 for a playoff run. 

Fitting Aaron Donald Into Rams Defense Isn’t the Problem

While the Rams would like to have Donald on the practice field to start working in with the defensive line, it’s not something they’re going to force. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula may want to start figuring out how Donald fits in the defense and see how it looks. With that said, figuring out how to use Donald isn’t complicated. 

When it comes to the situations around Nacua and Jackson, the Rams are unable to make a move in preparation for either situation until Donald’s decision is made. Despite the uncertainty around all three situations, getting Donald back would be the priority. Still, until Donald makes his decision official, the Rams are left operating with one hand tied behind their back.

Sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest news.