Rams veterans are reporting to camp this Saturday, but the biggest question mark hovering over the team isn’t about some rookie or a depth chart battle. It’s whether superstar defensive tackle Aaron Donald, after two years away, will even show up for preseason work. And honestly, it’s looking unlikely he’ll be there for the early days.
The Big Wait: Donald’s Fitness and the “Immediate Answer”
Donald recently hit the Rams’ facility, not for a casual visit, but to actually gauge his fitness. He’s been retired for two years, and getting back into NFL shape is no joke, even for a legend. Adam Schefter from ESPN put it bluntly on his podcast: don’t expect a quick call from Donald. This isn’t some snap decision. Schefter said Donald is “essentially trying to get himself ready for the upcoming season,” and that we’re absolutely not getting “an immediate answer, or an immediate signing.” The guy is grinding to “regain some of the form he might’ve lost” and he’s not coming back until “he feels like he’s ready to be Aaron Donald again.” Talk about pressure.
The Contractual Curveball and What’s at Stake
Let’s not forget the dollars. If Donald decides to pull the trigger on a comeback, there are serious contractual matters to sort out. When he retired, he still had a year and a massive $30 million left on his deal. That’s not pocket change, and it’s another layer of complexity that has to be ironed out before any comeback can become reality. Right now, the idea of Donald lining up next to someone like Myles Garrett is still pure fantasy. It’s a huge, lingering question mark for the Rams, and their defense will look completely different depending on his choice.
The clock is ticking with camp kicking off. The Rams need to know if their Hall of Fame defensive anchor is truly back, but it’s clear Aaron Donald is calling his own shots and taking his own sweet time. The football world is watching, waiting for that decision.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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