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Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay indicated Saturday that three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald continues to evaluate whether he can commit to ending his two-year retirement and rejoining the team. McVay made clear the organization stands prepared to accommodate the future Hall of Famer should he opt to resume play, but will not rush the process.
Donald, who spent his entire 10-season career anchoring the Rams’ defensive line, stepped away in March 2024 but reignited his interest in returning after the team acquired All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett from Cleveland last month. The prospect of partnering with another elite contemporary has prompted the 35-year-old to undertake a rigorous training regimen to assess his physical readiness.
McVay stated that Donald is executing his evaluation methodically while the Rams remain uncertain of the outcome. “If that is something that he wants to do, we’re going to try to be able to make that happen,” McVay said, adding that Donald “doesn’t owe us anything” if he decides against playing.
During his tenure with the franchise, Donald accumulated 111 sacks—a team record—and earned eight All-Pro designations along with 10 Pro Bowl selections. He was instrumental in the Rams’ 2021-22 Super Bowl championship run, recording critical defensive plays in both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl LVI victory over Cincinnati.
Teammates expressed confidence in Donald’s potential impact should he return. Defensive lineman Braden Fiske noted that recent workout videos suggest Donald has maintained his elite conditioning, though the organization is content allowing him autonomous decision-making authority.
Left guard Steve Avila, who played alongside Donald as a rookie in 2023, suggested that if the defensive star commits to returning, he would likely engage for a full season given his competitive nature and championship-caliber mentality.
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