Aaron Donald works out for Rams as he eyes potential return to NFL

Retired Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald had a tryout with his former team Wednesday, per the NFL’s transaction wire, adding to speculation that a comeback could be on the horizon.

Labeling Wednesday’s workout at the Rams’ facility as a “tryout” is a formality. A team source told The Athletic that Donald “wanted to do some football-like workouts in a helmet,” which meant the team was required to report it to the league office. The source spoke on condition of anonymity to address internal matters.

Donald, a 2014 first-round draft pick and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, spent 10 seasons with the Rams. He was voted to the Pro Bowl 10 times, named an All-Pro eight times and helped make the game-sealing play in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win over Cincinnati after the 2021 season. He announced his retirement in March 2024.

The 35-year-old has toyed with a return ever since the Rams made their blockbuster trade to acquire Myles Garrett this offseason. Donald has posted videos on social media of himself working out, and ESPN’s Pat McAfee revealed in June that Donald said the Garrett trade “for sure got me thinking” about coming back.

In July, Rams head coach Sean McVay said the team wouldn’t receive a decision on Donald’s return until the conclusion of training camp, but there does appear to be some momentum.

“If there’s an arrow, it’s pointing up,” McVay said.

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