The Los Angeles Rams are not mincing words about Aaron Donald.
Donald has been mulling his future and a potential return to the Rams and the NFL after two years in retirement.
The Rams began training camp on Saturday, and head coach Sean McVay addressed, among other things, Donald’s status and just how much the team plans on pushing for his return to the field this coming season.
Rams Get Honest About Aaron Donald
GettySean McVay is maintaining that the Los Angeles Rams would welcome Aaron Donald back.
Donald has shifted heavily from his previously held stance of remaining retired, going so far as to work out on the practice field at the Rams’ facilities this offseason.
“I’m sure everybody’s wondering about Aaron. He is going through his process, and he is putting himself in a position to make a decision, and he’s earned the right to be able to do that,” McVay told reporters on July 25. “He’s very diligent. Anything that he does, he does all in. And so, he’s going through a very strict regimen and process that was similar to what he did when he played, see how his body responds and feels.
“We’ve had some things that we’ll just kind of check up on each other. And then, we’ll see–when we have more information–whether or not we’re going to give it a go or whether or not he’s going to continue to enjoy what he’s been doing for the last couple of years.”
McVay continued, “If that [returning] is something that he wants to do, we are going to try to be able to make that happen. And so–but I genuinely do not have an answer on whether he is or isn’t. I know he’s preparing himself to be able to make that decision. And if he feels good, then you guys know, he’s going to be ready to rock.
“If not, he’s earned the right. He doesn’t owe us anything.”
The Rams would still need to work out compensation for the 10-time Pro Bowler.
However, that increasingly sounds like a formality more than a true obstacle for the Rams and Donald, if he wants to come out of retirement.
Barshop: ‘Keep an Eye on’ Aaron Donald
GettyAaron Donald’s status is a source of intrigue around the Los Angeles Rams.
ESPN’s Sarah Barshop previously noted that Donald’s status was something to “keep an eye on” as the Rams begin training camp. Moreover, Barshop believes good news could come for the Rams, even after camp.
“The future Hall of Fame defensive tackle retired in March 2024 after 10 NFL seasons, but the Rams trading for Garrett in June spurred conversation about the possibility of Donald’s return for the chance to play with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. No one with the organization has shut it down,” Barshop wrote on July 23.
“Even if Donald does not decide to come back before the start of — or during — training camp, it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to unretire at some point during the 2026 season.”
Donald’s decision remains the biggest storyline around the Rams.
Wyche: Aaron Donald ‘Probably’ Going to Return
GettyAaron Donald is expected to return to the Los Angeles Rams
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche added even more encouraging context for the Rams regarding Donald’s potential return.
All signs are indicating that he will.
“There’s been no contract talks. There’s been no talk of Aaron saying, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to do this,’ and if so, when,” Wyche said on July 24. “But everyone you talk to with the Rams organization says, if he does this, Aaron Donald does nothing halfway. They would expect him to come back at some point during training camp. Not only just to get himself physically ready, but to indoctrinate himself into a roster to which he hasn’t been a part of four 2 years.
“Again, Aaron Donald is putting in the on-field work to really see if this is something he is about to do. And every indication that I got was that he’s probably gonna do it.”
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