Aaron Donald, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is officially on the transaction wire as “trying out” for the Los Angeles Rams after two seasons in retirement. Yeah, you read that right. The man who last played in 2023, earning his eighth first-team All-Pro nod and 10th Pro Bowl selection at age 32, is seriously considering a comeback, and it feels like the league is about to get a whole lot scarier for the upcoming 2026 season.
Why the Hell Is This Even Happening?
Let’s be real, the Rams were already looking like a problem before this news broke. Once they traded for Myles Garrett, they made it abundantly clear they are “all in” for another championship run. That move alone certainly piqued Donald’s interest, with him admitting at the time, “It for sure got me thinking.” Now, at 35 years old, Donald is looking at returning to a team that is already the overwhelming Super Bowl favorite.
And why wouldn’t he? Quarterback Matthew Stafford absolutely torched the league in 2025, winning NFL MVP honors after leading in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46). Then there’s wide receiver Puka Nacua, who dominated with a league-leading 129 catches, 80 receiving first downs, and 107.2 receiving yards per game. Don’t forget Davante Adams, who led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches. On defense, the newly-acquired Garrett set the NFL single-season sacks record with 23.0 and holds the record for most sacks per game (0.94) in NFL history. Talk about a loaded squad, huh? With Garrett and Byron Young on the defensive line, Donald wouldn’t face the same level of double teams he did during his first run. He wouldn’t need to be Superman; this team is already stacked.
Sean McVay’s Silent Approval Speaks Volumes
If Donald’s actual workout for the Rams wasn’t enough to get you hyped, Rams coach Sean McVay’s reactions sure should be. During an interview with Bryant McFadden on CBS Sports HQ, McVay was asked about Donald’s potential return. When pressed on whether he expects to see Donald play for the Rams in 2026, McVay responded with a wide-mouthed smile. Asked if he expects Donald in September, McVay flashed a grin that displayed nearly every tooth in his mouth. If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is. McVay even broke his body language-only rule when asked about Donald’s past dominant level of play, giving a direct quote: “This one deserves an answer. He’ll only going to do it if he feels li…” The man knows exactly what’s up.
This isn’t just idle speculation. Donald is working out at their facility. The Rams have a roster that boasts top-tier talent like running back Kyren Williams, who has the third-most scrimmage touchdowns (44) in the last three seasons, and two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. McVay himself has twice as many playoff wins (10) as any other coach before age 40. If Donald actually suits up, the NFL is in for a shockwave. Get ready, because it looks like Donald is.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply