Aaron Donald keeps giving signals that he might be ready to make an NFL comeback, but some of those signals are not quite as clear as they initially appear.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Saturday that recent reports about Donald working out at the Los Angeles Rams’ team facilities were not necessarily an indicator that he is planning a comeback. According to Fowler, Donald has worked out at the team’s facility since his retirement, and still has not made a final decision on a possible comeback.
“Aaron Donald, I’m told, has not made a decision about his future as to whether he’ll play this year, and that he does work out at the Rams’ facility off and on over the last few years since he’s been retired,” Fowler said. “There’s no hard news here, as last I checked, the Rams hadn’t made any sort of firm contract offer to Donald.”
Aaron Donald working out at Rams facility is not a new thing. He hasn’t made a call on his future, but the looming possibility has the rest of the league intrigued. @SportsCenter with @KeianaMartinTV pic.twitter.com/e4GHlGRICI
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 11, 2026
Fowler added that both parties are somewhat leaning into the possible comeback, and that it is not out of the question that the defensive tackle could make a midseason return to the team.
Donald has been teasing a return ever since the Rams made their blockbuster trade to acquire Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. His recent appearance at the team’s facility sent that speculation into overdrive.
While Donald has not yet made a final decision about playing in 2026, there are some well-connected individuals who believe he will ultimately decide to play. The 35-year-old retired after the 2023 season, though he has kept himself in something close to playing shape since then.
