Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said the quiet part out loud about Aaron Donald.
McVay and Donald have also remained in contact since the latter retired. McVay has been candid about his friendship with and immense respect for Donald, as well as the Rams’ desire to have him back in the fold for this coming season.
The Rams’ head coach has, so far, revealed his hopes for Donald to return. But he has only said that it seems like things are moving in the right direction. That is, until Wednesday.
Rams’ Sean McVay Gets Honest About Aaron Donald
GettySean McVay spoke candidly about Aaron Donald and a potential return to the Los Angeles Rams.
During an interview with the NFL’s Gregg Rosenthal and The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, McVay spoke candidly about Donald’s workout at the Rams’ facilities on Wednesday, asking if it showed up as a “tryout.”
It did.
“Best tryout that we’ve ever had,” McVay said on August 5, jokingly, adding, “I think he can make the team” when asked (facetiously but also) a direct question. “That was, honestly, our way of being able to get a workout with him within the parameters of what’s necessary. But [defensive line coach] Giff Smith said it’s the greatest tryout he’s ever had.”
The conversation got even more interesting from there, when Rosenthal said McVay was a great football coach, but a questionable poker player, particularly regarding Donald.
“I’ve never claimed to be a good poker player, either,” McVay said.
McVay’s account seems to contradict a report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio that said Donald was working out to test himself, not for the Rams to evaluate. ESPN’s Adam Schefter framed the transaction listing as a technicality.
Aaron Donald Building Brand
GettyAaron Donald has bigger plans than chasing another Super Bowl.
Donald has hinted at and may be leaning toward returning to the Rams. But he has actively taken steps to prepare for his next career phase.
“Donald has signed with Jon Rosen’s management team at Envisionary to grow his businesses, brand partnerships, and overall profile in the media and entertainment industries, Rosen confirmed to FOS,” Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel wrote on August 4, adding, “Donald is also in the process of developing a docuseries, one source said.
“Envisionary has recently completed deals for Kyle Long to join CBS’s NFL Today studio show, Lauren Shehadi’s renewal with MLB Network and new deal with Netflix, as well as Kelly O’Hara’s podcast with Just Women Sports and analyst role covering soccer for CBS.”
Donald’s personality and resume are expected to make him highly sought after.
Donald is already quite active in the media space, both as a spokesperson and personality, co-hosting “The Inner Circle Podcast.”
Aaron Donald Can Put Fitting Final Touch on Career
GettyAaron Donald can cap his career with another Super Bowl.
Donald’s resume is immaculate, and his path to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame appears clear. That does not mean that another Super Bowl win would not be a fitting way to call it a career for good.
It would also help raise his profile. It would serve as a reminder of who he is as a player before moving into the media world for good.
Returning to the Rams would just be a stepping stone in that regard.
However, it is also likely one that all parties can agree to. The end goal of the season would still be the same. The Rams are already geared up for a Super Bowl run in 2026. Adding Donald would put the Rams further ahead of the competition on paper.
Sean McVay Admits Truth About Aaron Donald After Rams Visit