Story perspectives

McVay Won’t Set Deadline for Aaron Donald Return

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sean McVay said the Rams will not set a deadline for Aaron Donald’s possible return.
He hopes Donald decides “sooner rather than later” but will respect his readiness.
Donald, 35, worked out with the Rams on Aug 5 and Aug 16, each logged as a “tryout” on the NFL transaction wire.
A return would require renegotiating his $30 million base deal, placing him on a line with recent trade acquisition Myles Garrett.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL instituted its first salary cap in 1994, the league forced teams to restructure star contracts, reshaping roster economics. The 1994 collective bargaining agreement capped team spending at $34.6 million, prompting the Dallas Cowboys to renegotiate Emmitt Smith’s $30 million deal. Similarly, Rams head coach Sean McVay now weighs Aaron Donald’s $30 million base contract against Myles Garrett’s recent acquisition amid cap constraints. These negotiations illustrate how veteran salary disputes continue to dictate team strategies, influencing future free-agency markets and roster flexibility.

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Story summary

Sean McVay said the Rams will not set a deadline for Aaron Donald’s possible return.
He hopes Donald decides “sooner rather than later” but will respect his readiness.
Donald, 35, worked out with the Rams on Aug 5 and Aug 16, each logged as a “tryout” on the NFL transaction wire.
A return would require renegotiating his $30 million base deal, placing him on a line with recent trade acquisition Myles Garrett.

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