After a recent workout in Los Angeles, a Rams-Aaron Donald reunion is “starting to achieve steam,” in keeping with Bleacher Report’s James Palmer.
Donald’s potential return to the football field has grown from a tantalizing prospect to a serious possibility over the six weeks because the Rams’ blockbuster move for Myles Garrett.
The primary and most relevant consideration is the 35-year-old’s ability to return to high-level NFL defensive position play. He was widely considered the perfect defensive tackle within the league for many, if not all, of his profession and ranks high within the all-time annals of the position. Known for his relentless devotion to staying in tip-top shape, Donald has continued to post intense workout videos on social media since his retirement.
“He’s stayed in remarkable shape,” Palmer said. “But there are differences between football shape and staying in shape. And nobody knows that higher, probably, than Aaron Donald.”
The Rams are being patient as Donald assesses his ability to return to the gridiron. The Rams are usually not actively pursuing him but have expressed their interest in bringing their legendary defensive tackle back to their locker room. The 2 sides have yet to debate money, though Palmer believes that “might be worked out relatively easily.”
“If we’re taking a look at a timeline, we might probably know a handful of days, only a guess, before the beginning of coaching camp,” Palmer adds.
Donald’s return would likely include a limited snap count focused on pass-rushing situations. Palmer compared the situation to Brandon Graham‘s unretirement last yr, by which he played just 113 snaps for the Eagles across nine games (12.5 snaps per game, 19% snap share). Graham recorded just three sacks, but his per-snap production led the team. He also posted a 14.1% pass rush win rate, a big dip from his peak but comparable to his 2024 campaign, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Speaking on The Wealthy Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero referenced Deion Sanders because the only other Hall of Famer who retired for multiple years before making a comeback. The All-Pro cornerback was a part-time player for the Ravens in 2004 and 2005 after three seasons away from the sphere with solid production that also paled as compared to his Nineteen Nineties peak in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Dallas. Defensive lineman Reggie White and wide receiver Randy Moss also returned to the sphere after one yr in retirement; neither was in a position to return to their previous level of play.
That may be a vital consideration for Donald, a 10-time Pro Bowler, eight-time first-team All-Pro, and two-time Defensive Player of the 12 months. He wouldn’t come back in a cameo role or as an elder statesman within the locker room; he could be a key starter on a Rams team with sky-high expectations in 2026. But Donald was head-and-shoulders above the remaining of the league for much of his profession, so returning at even 80% or 90% of his prime form could give Los Angeles among the best defensive lines in NFL history and potentially put them excessive of their quest for one more Super Bowl.