Adam Schefter updates prediction for if Aaron Donald will unretire, rejoin Rams

While speaking with reporters on Monday, defensive coordinator Chris Shula made it known that he and others associated with the Los Angeles Rams would welcome defensive superstar Aaron Donald back to the team "with open arms" if Donald is serious about ending his retirement to play alongside recently-acquired Rams pass-rusher Myles Garrett.

During the latest edition of his podcast, NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN offered an update on the Donald-Rams situation. 

Adam Schefter, other teams expect Aaron Donald will play for 2026 Rams

"The fact that there's so much talk, and the fact that people are thinking about it, tells me that in the end, if I had to guess, I would guess it does happen," Schefter said about Donald coming out of retirement to play for the Rams this season. "That's just a guess. No information. I've spoken to people on the Rams. 'What do we think?' 'Like it's possible. Possible. Tough to come up with the money. Not easy to make happen.' But when you speak to other teams, they're like, 'They'll find the money. They'll make it happen.'" 

The Rams reportedly will "keep the door ajar for Donald to return at any point" in the event that he may not want to play a full season at the age of 35. Safety Eric Weddle retired after the 2020 season, but he then came out of retirement in January 2022 to feature for the Rams during the club's postseason run that ended with Los Angeles winning Super Bowl LVI.

Donald hasn't played since he retired following the 2023 campaign. 

Why Adam Schefter believes Aaron Donald will play for Rams this season

"When you talk to all the people involved," Schefter explained, "nobody is coming out right now and saying, 'Aaron Donald is coming back.' But everybody is acknowledging that it is a possibility. And the fact that it is even a possibility in June tells me that I think there's every possibility it will become more real in July. And I think if and when [the Rams] present a plan to him as to how he would be used, I think it's more likely than not that he'll be back."

Donald could publicly address rumors about his potential return to the Rams at any time. Then again, he may be saying plenty about his intentions by staying silent up until he and/or the club has official news to reveal. 

"He has to commit to it," Schefter added about Donald. "It still sounds like we're a ways away. He has not gotten there yet. But the fact that this is even coming up, and the fact that the Rams have the team that they do, and the fact that Aaron Donald will get to play with Myles Garrett, and the fact that the Super Bowl is in L.A. this year, I just think the ingredients are there to make it happen."