Aaron Donald’s Decision Looms as Rams Await Defensive Tackle’s Return

Reports indicate former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is expected to announce whether he will unretire by the end of this week. The timeline was originally described as “early this week” but has been pushed back, giving Donald additional time to evaluate a comeback. He participated in a tryout on Wednesday with defensive-line coach Giff Smith, sports-medicine senior vice president Reggie Scott, and strength-conditioning director Justin Lovett. The Rams would like clarity before their first preseason game.

Aaron Donald Comeback Decision Expected Very Soon

Donald retired in March 2024 after a ten-year career with the Rams, where he earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight First-Team All-Pro selections. The Rams, after adding Myles Garrett, see a Donald return as a boost to an already strong defense.

Newsweek

• March 2024 – Donald announces retirement.

NBC Sports

• Wednesday – Donald attends a tryout at Loyola Marymount University, completing a padded workout and a helmet session.

ESPN

• End of this week – Current target for Donald’s public decision.

NBC Sports

• 2023 season: 53 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 sacks in 16 starts.

Newsweek

• Potential contract: If he returns, the Rams would owe him roughly $30 million, though the payment schedule is unconfirmed.

Newsweek

Rams head coach Sean McVay said Donald “looks outstanding” in his recent workout and that “things are going in the right direction.” He added that Donald is “feeling good” but the team cannot yet determine whether he is ready to play. McVay noted no specific performance metric is required for a decision.

ESPNUSA TodayNewsweekNBC SportsAaron Donald Comeback Decision Expected Very Soon

Multiple outlets agree on the shifted decision window, but the exact financial terms of a possible return remain unclear. Newsweek reported a $30 million obligation, yet the organization has not confirmed the amount or contract structure. No official statement from Donald has been released.

Bleacher Report

The Rams travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs in their first preseason matchup on Saturday. An announcement before that game would give the team time to integrate Donald into practice plans. If no decision is made, the Rams will proceed with the defensive roster built during the offseason.

Newsweek

• “He's very deliberate and intentional about what this looks like,” — Sean McVay, Rams coach

ESPN

• “He has earned the right to be able to say how he feels,” — Sean McVay, Rams coach

ESPN

• “Things are going in the right direction," McVay said, via ESPN.” — Sean McVay, Rams coach

Newsweek