Could Aaron Donald return to Rams for potential playoff run?

Sep 19, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) on the sideline in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead does not seem willing to completely shut the door on Aaron Donald’s playing career.

In an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Snead admitted he would be tempted to ask Donald to make a comeback if the Rams were to make the playoffs in 2024. Snead admitted that the star defensive lineman was unlikely to say yes to such a request.

“I did mention to Aaron that going back to our Super Bowl run, that there was a player by the name of Eric Weddle who kind of jumped into the playoffs,” Snead said, via Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports. “We signed him to the practice squad and we standard elevated him for four straight games to a Super Bowl championship. So, I did mention if we happen to get to the playoffs again, maybe we’ll circle back and see if the cup’s not quite filled.

“But that’s just a rumor. I doubt Aaron’s going to do that. Aaron’s one of those guys where he’s so principled, he might feel uncomfortable that, ‘You know what, I didn’t go through those other 18 [games] with the guys, I’m not sure I can go through the playoffs with them.’ Not sure. We might tempt him. No breaking news here.”

The Weddle comparison is a fun one, as the Rams did essentially sign him off the street for their Super Bowl run two years ago. At that time, the Rams were desperate for safety help, and Weddle was tempted by the chance to win the Super Bowl, which he never had before. Donald already has a ring to his name.

Donald has said he no longer has the passion to go through a full 17-game season and thinks he has nothing left to prove. He is correct on that front, but maybe he could be tempted for a four-week playoff run. That still seems quite unlikely.