Massive update about Aaron Donald possibly returning to Rams surfaces

A report from the final Sunday of June shared that defensive superstar Aaron Donald "is seriously contemplating coming out of retirement to lend a massive helping hand to" a Los Angeles Rams team that acquired star pass-rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in June. 

It sounds like in-the-know individuals feel that a Donald return is inevitable. 

Aaron Donald's return to the Rams "close to a done deal?"

"What began as speculation and then became very well-informed buzz is now being viewed as close to a done deal, with Donald wanting to play with Myles Garrett...and telling even more people within the Rams organization of how hard he is leaning into ending his retirement," NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom US revealed for a piece published on Wednesday morning. "There remains no firm timetable for him to formalize his decision, let alone report to the Rams, and they will keep that option open for him as long as he wants. But there is also a growing sense among some in the Rams organization and around the league that Donald will be back with them for a majority of the 2026 season."

A previous report indicated that the Rams would "keep the door ajar for Donald to return at any point" between the NFL's ongoing summer break and the start of the 2027 postseason tournament. That understandably could have left some wondering if the 35-year-old simply doesn't want to be an active player for a full, grueling campaign. La Canfora's update would leave one to believe that isn't the case. 

General manager sends a warning to the NFL about Aaron Donald's return

Donald hasn't played since he retired following the 2023 season, so it's fair to wonder if he can reclaim the form that made him a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year Award winner. That said, he seemingly has kept himself in excellent shape since calling time on what may go down as the first run of his playing career. 

"He’s going to be a problem," an unnamed general manager said about Donald while speaking with La Canfora. "He didn’t put on 50 pounds. He’s stayed in shape. I don’t think it’ll take him that long to get back in game shape." 

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Rams as the overall betting favorites at +550 odds to win Super Bowl LXI this coming February. It sounds like Donald will actively pursue earning the second championship ring of his legendary career later this year. 

"Don’t expect to see Donald for the start of camp and the early stages of practices," La Canfora added. "...The Rams will come out saying Donald will be on a pitch count, and they will take their time ramping him up for game action."