Rams HC Sean McVay provides Aaron Donald update amid return rumors

Rams general manager Les Snead had more to say about Donald. His comment could pour gasoline on the comeback rumors. 

"This is the first time Aaron's probably had the itch to come back, try to do something meaningful — which has been cool to see," Snead told ESPN Los Angeles. "When you retire from the NFL, that's probably a cliff like, the next chapter, it's foggy. ... But it's interesting with Aaron, he's really enjoyed these years off and hasn't necessarily missed the game. He says he's missed it every now and then, but not enough to say, I want to come back. This is the first time that, you know what, there's a real itch there."

Teaming up with new Rams DE Myles Garrett (acquired in an offseason deal with the Cleveland Browns) could have Donald wanting to scratch that itch even more. They would immediately form one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the NFL. 

Donald, former Houston Texans D-lineman J.J. Watt and New York Giants LB Lawrence Taylor are the only players in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year three times. Garrett won it twice in eight seasons with the Browns. In 2025, he set the record for sacks in a season (23 in 17 games for Cleveland). 

Donald, 35, may need more time to reach 100 percent if he decides to come back. He reportedly doesn't want to be used as a role player. 

Until Donald knocks all the rust off or decides to enjoy retirement, McVay will have to answer more questions about the future Hall of Famer and find ways to answer them creatively. Perhaps he can use that as an opportunity to poke fun at TMZ even more.