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When Aaron Donald retired from the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, his next stop seemed destined to be an induction ceremony into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But now, that journey might include one more stop — back with the Rams.
Donald has been flirting with the idea of returning to his old team because, well, they’re stacked this season, about to embark on a chase for a Super Bowl championship and he apparently likes the idea of being part of the journey.
That’s no secret.
What was a secret until Wednesday was how close Donald is to making a decision on his return after he requested and received a formal workout from the team to see how he feels.
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Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Nov. 26, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports)
The workout was so formal the Rams reported it to the NFL, and it appeared on the league’s daily transaction wire. That wire is released across the league every day at 4 p.m.
Multiple league sources have confirmed to Fox News Digital that Donald donned his helmet and pads and went through a solid 45 minutes with club personnel.
This was all meant to give Donald an idea about his ability to not only come back, but come back and dominate as he did for a decade when he was arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) during the second half Nov. 15, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)
This was not meant to give the Rams a comfort level regarding Donald’s ability. They already have that and have been transparent that if Donald wants to come back, Donald can come back.
It is unclear, however, how Donald actually did. No one has spoken publicly about it so far.
A decision could be imminent, if not already made following this workout.
The Rams are currently conducting their training camp at Loyola Marymount University, but on Friday return to their training facility in Woodland Hills.
Rams coach Sean McVay has said that Donald’s decision to return would likely come after the return to Woodland Hills.
Most media are portraying it as a near certainty that Donald will make the jump back into the NFL. It’s not quite so simple.
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He apparently wants to do it.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of an NFC wild-card playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 10, 2026. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The idea appeals because the Rams are so good that they reached the NFC Championship game last season and in the offseason added All-Pro defensive lineman Myles Garrett and both of the Kansas City Chiefs outstanding starting cornerbacks, including Pro Bowler Trent McDuffie.
Did we mention defending league MVP Matthew Stafford is the Los Angeles quarterback?
That kind of talent suggests the Rams are going to be serious, serious Super Bowl contenders, even in a division with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks.
But there’s a catch for Donald: He wants to be close to if not as good as he’s always been.
He doesn’t wish to look diminished in what could then be portrayed as a selfish chase for a Super Bowl ring rather than a valuable addition to a Super Bowl contender. So, the player who has not played since 2023 has been working very hard to get in shape for the attempt.
Wednesday’s workout was meant to give everyone involved a view of whether Aaron Donald is ready or not.
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