Aaron Donald could be on the verge of making his long-awaited NFL comeback official. A decision regarding the former Los Angeles Rams defensive star could arrive in the coming days as he tests his physical readiness for another season, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year retired after the 2023 season, ending a legendary 10-year run with 111 career sacks and eight first-team All-Pro selections. However, recent workouts and ongoing discussions with the Rams have reignited the possibility of a return to the field for the 35-year-old tackle.

The Latest Update

Donald has been working out at the Rams facility to assess how his body responds to rigorous football activities after spending two seasons away. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that while no final choice has been made, the momentum continues to build toward a comeback, according to a report by the New York Post.

“My understanding is he wants to make sure that he can go out and do it before he fully commits,” Rapoport reported. “That said, it clearly seems like it’s heading in that direction.”

The key factor holding back an immediate announcement is purely physical, as Donald wants proof that he can perform to his standards before signing on for another grueling season. Having stepped away feeling “full” and “complete,” the opportunity to chase another championship with a re-tooled roster appears to have altered his perspective.

If Donald decides to return, the Rams will need to sort out his contract structure before officially adding him to the active roster. Donald retired with one season and $31.1 million remaining on the three-year, $95 million extension he signed in 2022, which requires both sides to negotiate how that deal will return to the books.

Rams Have Dominant Defensive Line

Adding a talent like Donald back into the defensive line rotation completely changes the outlook for Los Angeles. The Rams already feature dynamic pass rushers like Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Braden Fiske, allowing the team to manage Donald’s workload without dropping their pass-rush pressure.

Pairing Donald with defensive anchor Myles Garrett gives the front seven an elite dual-threat dynamic that opponents would struggle to game plan against. While Garrett dealt with brief camp absences earlier this month, having both disruptors healthy for the regular season would immediately elevate the Rams into top contention, aligning directly with Garrett’s high championship ambitions for the defense.

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