Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams has never appeared more possible, and head coach Sean McVay’s comments on Friday are only going to intensify the speculation around the 10-time Pro Bowler.
Donald, retired since the end of the 2023 season, has been intrigued by the Rams’ trade for Myles Garrett and has been testing himself in preparation for a potential comeback.
McVay’s take was encouraging for Rams fans and anyone who wants to see him do it.
Sean McVay: Rams Have Discussed ‘Timelines’ With Aaron Donald
GettyThe Los Angeles Rams expect more clarity on Aaron Donald when they return to Woodland Hills.
McVay met the media and spoke candidly about his read on Donald’s potential decision to return. He also attempted to quell speculation, but only drew more attention to the situation.
However, McVay did not mince words; he feels good about the direction things are going.
“There won’t be any news on that front until we get back to Woodland Hills,” McVay told reporters on July 31, trying to find his words before explaining where things stand. “There’s some conversations that we’ve had. We’ve, loosely, had some different timelines that are kind of temporary. I want to keep those between us, just if something unforeseen happens, out of respect for him and the situation. But I know this: that things are going in the right direction. And if there’s an arrow, it’s trending upwards.
“That’ll be something that I think, once we get back to Woodland Hills, we’ll have a better idea of what that timeline looks like. There won’t be any decision and anything in terms of Aaron’s situation while we’re here.”
Donald and the Rams must work out compensation. However, that could prove to be a formality if both sides are motivated enough.
One thing is clear: the Rams are ready and awaiting Donald’s decision.
Myles Garrett Gets Honest About Aaron Donald
GettyMyles Garrett made his feelings clear about Aaron Donald’s potential return to the Rams.
Garrett has participated in the Rams’ push for Donald. He has not spoken with Donald about returning, but he has made his affinity for him clear.
“I’ve told him I’d love to learn from him. I’ve watched his tape. Obviously, I think everyone who’s been a rusher, from anywhere across the line, they have a lot of respect for him. And I don’t want to push him in one way or another. If he’s here, I’m going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime, and I think we can do great things,” Garrett told reporters on July 29.
“It’s a difficult thing coming back, and I know he has a family. He has a lot of decisions to make. Last thing he needs is me to push him in one direction or another. So, I’m going to support him either way, and I look forward to seeing whatever happens.”
A little later, though, Garrett had what may prove to be a Freudian slip.
Myles Garrett Hoping for Pic With AD, SB Champion Teammate
GettyAaron Donald has offered another hint that he could return to the Los Angeles Rams.
Asked if he had any memorable plays with his new teammates, Garrett said he hadn’t before going back to Donald and mentioning former Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth.
“Maybe when Aaron comes back, remember to get a picture with him, holding his jersey. It’s hanging up in my place in Texas. So, that’s the only memories I have, other than going against Whit. But he’s not out here lining up. But maybe he’ll come back; I don’t know.”
Whitworth has joked about the idea of returning if he were Donald’s age.
They won a Super Bowl together in 2021 with the Rams. It is far-fetched, but the timing of the mention is notable, given the Rams’ current uncertainty around Alaric Jackson.
Rams Draw Attention With Latest Aaron Donald Update