Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is openly considering a return to the NFL after the franchise acquired superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett, according to a report by Sports.
Donald, who retired after the 2023 season following a 10-year career with the Rams, said Tuesday that the possibility of playing in the upcoming Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium has sparked his interest.
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“I’m for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year.
If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility,” Donald told Schultz.
McVay and Snead Open to Return
Head coach Sean McVay expressed full support for a potential comeback. “Listen, if he’s interested,” McVay said.
“You talk to Aaron, and you see what he’s saying about that.”
McVay added that he recently discussed Garrett’s arrival with Donald.
“If Aaron decides he wants to dust ‘em off at the age of 35, I bet you he can still do it at a pretty high clip.”
General Manager Les Snead noted this is the first time Donald has seriously reflected on retirement.
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“I do think for the first time Aaron is like, 'Oh, wait a minute,'” Snead said, though he remains uncertain about the outcome.
The Rams have previously lured players out of retirement, notably signing safety Eric Weddle before the 2021 postseason, where he started two playoff games and helped win a championship.
Contractual Hurdles and Salary Cap Realities
Donald, who turns 35 in May, walked away from football in March 2024 at age 32.
In his final season, he recorded eight sacks and 23 quarterback hits over 16 games.
Although his three-year, $95 million contract was set to expire after 2025, the Rams still control his rights.
Because the team placed him on the reserve/retired list, his contractual status is paused, similar to tight end Rob Gronkowski's past situation.
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Under this designation, Donald would technically command his 2024 salary of $30 million, but both sides would likely restructure terms to fit the team's financial reality.
