RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesRams coach Sean McVay provides update on possible Aaron Donald comeback: 'His training is going very well' originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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Despite retiring two years ago, Aaron Donald has been one of the names of the 2026 offseason. The former Rams defensive tackle and eventual first-ballot Hall of Famer retains plenty of admirers despite failing to take a snap for two full seasons.
Myles Garrett's arrival in Tinseltown stirred something in the 35-year-old, who is believed to be considering a return to the field for the 2026 season. No team is more interested in the famed pass-rusher than his former employers, who have made it clear that they would move heaven and earth to bring Donald back if he wants to resume his playing career.
Sean McVay spoke with reporters on Tuesday as part of his customary training camp presser. Here's what he had to say about Donald's potential return in 2026.
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Sean McVay update on Aaron Donald
McVay offered some insight into the prospect of Donald's return on Tuesday afternoon. The general sentiment of his remarks? Donald's comeback isn't quite imminent but his training is going to plan thus far.
"We've kept in contact, he's feeling good, his training is going really well, but no news on the front of any imminent decision on whether he is going to play or not," McVay said.
Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Donald would be unavailable for the early portions of training camp as he attempts to get himself in good enough shape to handle the rigors of the football season.
“Aaron Donald is essentially trying to get himself ready for the upcoming season,” Schefter said on his podcast. “I don’t think, and it doesn’t sound like, we’re gonna get an immediate answer, or an immediate signing, of Aaron Donald.
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He is too busy trying to get himself back into football shape, to try to regain some of the form he might’ve lost in two years away from football, and he’s not gonna come back until he feels like he’s ready to be Aaron Donald again.”
McVay expressed similar sentiments during an interview with Sports Illustrated's Jason LaCanfora .
If Donald does opt to return to the gridiron, he and the Rams will have to sort out his contractual situation. Donald retired with one year and $30 million left on his contract. He would be liable to collect those earnings, although it seems likelier that Los Angeles would attempt to renegotiate its deal with Donald to make the terms reflect his two years out of the sport.
What has Aaron Donald said about a possible Rams comeback?
Donald has played coy regarding a potential return to the field, offering little in the form of public comments about his future since news broke that he was considering lacing up his cleats once more.
Instead, he has made remarks to media personalities like Pat McAfee and Jordan Schultz, who have proceeded to publicize the comments.
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On June 2, McAfee revealed a text exchange between him and McAfee indicating that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year recipient was considering returning to the Rams to play with Garrett.
I reached out to @AaronDonald97 this morning.. According to source(s) it for sure got him thinking.. He said he's 35 and he's gotta see if that fire can light backup.. Aaron Donald and Myles Garret playing together with the Rams would be INSANE #PMSLive https://t.co/u6ioUwWsHL pic.twitter.com/6Ikj8vlFe2
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 2, 2026 "It for sure got me thinking," McAfee claimed that Donald said. "35, removed two years ago, gotta see if that fire can light back up."
Schultz corroborated McAfee's report shortly thereafter, revealing that the 35-year-old offered a similar response when he asked about whether he was contemplating coming out of retirement to play for Los Angeles.
“I’m for sure flirting with the idea," Donald texted. "Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility.”
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While Donald hasn't quite unleashed his true feelings on the prospect of him to returning to action with the Rams, his wife, Erica, was tickled by the reactions that poured down following the June 2 report that Donald was considering re-joining Los Angeles.
Y’all are hilarious
— Erica Donald (@EriDon_99) June 2, 2026 Aaron Donald age
Donald is 35 years old. He was born on May 23, 1991 in Pittsburgh.
Donald rose through the ranks during his collegiate career, claiming the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's best player during his final season at Pittsburgh. He proceeded to author a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career with Los Angeles, amassing three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight first-team All-Pro selections and a spot on the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team. He retired from the sport after completing his 10th season, citing contentment and a desire to stop training as intensely as reasons to end his playing career.
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