Aaron Donald’s Potential Return Remains “Trending Upward,” Says Rams Coach Sean McVay

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters that the ongoing discussions with retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald are progressing positively but that no definitive decision will be announced until the team leaves its temporary training-camp site at Loyola Marymount University and returns to its permanent Woodland Hills facility.

Sports Illustrated

Aaron Donald retired in March 2024 after a ten-year career in which he amassed 111 career sacks, ten Pro Bowl selections, eight First-Team All-Pro honors and three Defensive Player-of-the-Year awards. The Rams acquired reigning Defensive Player-of-the-Year Myles Garrett in June 2026, a move that reignited speculation that Donald might rejoin the roster for an eleventh season.

Sean McVay’s ‘trending upward’ Aaron Donald statement will draw Rams’ fans’ attention

• July 29, 2026 – Myles Garrett expressed excitement about the prospect of playing alongside Donald.

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• July 31, 2026 – McVay said there will be no news on Donald’s status until the team reaches Woodland Hills.

McVay: No update on Aaron Donald expected until team returns to Woodland Hills, but if there's an arrow, 'it's trending upwards'

• August 1, 2026 – McVay reiterated that “things are going in the right direction” and that the arrow is “trending upward.”

McVay: No update on Aaron Donald expected until team returns to Woodland Hills, but if there's an arrow, 'it's trending upwards'

• Early August 2026 – The Rams conclude their LMU camp and travel to Woodland Hills, where a final decision is expected.

Sports Illustrated

• Career production: 111 sacks, 543 total tackles, 24 forced fumbles in 154 regular-season games.

Sean McVay’s ‘trending upward’ Aaron Donald statement will draw Rams’ fans’ attention

• Contract considerations: Donald left $30 million on the table when he retired; the Rams have roughly $15 million in cap space and would need to restructure contracts to accommodate a new deal.

Sports Illustrated

• “If there’s an arrow, it’s trending upward,” — Sean McVay, rams coach

NBC Sports

• “Things are going in the right direction,” — Sean McVay, rams coach

New York Post

• “There won't be any news on that front until we get back to Woodland Hills,” — Sean McVay, rams coach

ESPN

• “If he's here, I'm going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime,” — Myles Garrett

ESPN

All sources convey a consistent message that no decision will be made during the LMU portion of camp. No published source provides a definitive timeline for when Donald might announce his choice, leaving the exact date of any potential return uncertain.

Sports Illustrated

The Rams will reconvene at their Woodland Hills complex after the LMU camp ends. No further dates have been disclosed.

Sports Illustrated