The Wait for an Aaron Donald Decision Continues

Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defesnive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates in the first half in a game against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports

The Wait for an Aaron Donald Decision Continues

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Parrish Jr. | Last updated Aug 15, 2026 4:03 PM ET

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When the Los Angeles Rams acquired Myles Garrett this offseason in a blockbuster trade to upgrade the defense, the move sparked Aaron Donald’s interest enough to consider coming out of retirement.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year continues to work at the team facility, testing to determine whether he could return to the version many regarded as arguably the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history before walking away in 2024.

The timeline for when a decision will actually be made continues to shift, from reportedly sometime this week, to the end of the week, and now it could linger deeper into August.

An update on Aaron Donald

ESPN and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provided clarity Saturday on where things stand on a decision and the Rams’ level of patience, just four weeks from the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

“The Rams have not given Aaron Donald a timeline at all for when they need a decision, because they don’t actually need a decision,” Rapoport said. “Aaron Donald is working out, trying to get into football shape. He’s been in shape — he’s always jacked — but he wants to get into football shape and really see not just if he can work out, but if he’s able to get pads and a helmet on. How does he do it? How does he recover a day later? Those are all the questions for Aaron Donald as he decides whether or not he wants to come back.

“The Rams are not waiting on, let’s say, another roster move. If he decides to come back, they are set on the defensive line. They have Myles Garrett and plenty of his friends. It would be a bonus if Aaron Donald comes back whenever it is — whether it’s during the season and he says, ‘you know what, I’m good to go’ — they will make it work. They will welcome him back, but there is no timetable.”

Donald retired with one-year, $30 million left on his contract. The Rams have a plan in place if he decides to return and the contract needs to be adjusted.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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