Schefter weighs in on Donald comeback buzz after workout with Rams

Aaron Donald. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Adam Schefter weighs in on Aaron Donald comeback buzz after workout with Rams

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 13, 2026 2:33 PM ET

It appears former defensive lineman Aaron Donald wasn't just getting in a quick lift when he recently set foot in the Los Angeles Rams' facility.

A report shared that Donald — who last played in 2023 — worked out at the team's building last week. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed more about the session during a Monday interview on "The Pat McAfee Show," and whether it's a sign that Donald will return this upcoming season.

Adam Schefter discusses whether Aaron Donald will come back in 2026

Schefter said Donald went to the team's facility to see if he felt healthy enough to play. The reporter then guessed that the D-lineman would come out of retirement.

"Obviously, [Donald is] thinking very hard about it," Schefter said. "I would think it has got to be awfully enticing."

"Aaron Donald told the team that he wanted go to the facility and workout..

My guess is in the end he will be coming back to play for the Rams..

Obviously he's thinking very hard about it and it has to be awfully enticing" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/BXVtS8BYqw pic.twitter.com/BgTLfyg8Qn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 13, 2026

Playing with new Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (acquired in an offseason trade with the Cleveland Browns) must be tempting for Donald, indeed. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Donald and two-time DPOY Garrett would form one of the best defensive line duos in the league. The active DE is coming off one of the best seasons in NFL history, in which he set the record for sacks in a season (23 in 17 games).

Garrett, unsurprisingly, is open to teaming up with Donald. He sent him a not-so-subtle message to come back on social media on Saturday night.

If Donald returns at the start of the 2026 season, his role may be limited. Schefter noted the 35-year-old could play 12-15 snaps a game. To put that into perspective, he played 867 defensive snaps (81 percent) in 16 regular-season games in his last season with the Rams in 2023 (via Pro Football Reference).

A little Donald would still be better than no Donald for the Rams. PFR's Hall of Fame monitor gives the eight-time first-team All-Pro the No. 1 score (181.18) among D-linemen in its database.

Donald winning his second Super Bowl would increase the already impressive mark. He would certainly have an opportunity to do so in L.A. As of Monday, ESPN Football Power Index gives the Rams the league's best chance (14.9 percent) to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this upcoming season. As if he needed even more incentive to lace up his cleats once again.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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