The Los Angeles Rams have moved closer to accomplishing their goal of making the playoffs, which has many people wondering whether Aaron Donald might consider returning for a postseason run.
Donald has expressed no interest in coming out of retirement and seems to be very happy in his post-football life, so the Rams probably aren’t holding their breath about him asking to come back.
Not to mention, there’s an NFL rule that prevents players from coming off the reserve/retired list this late in the season, so it’s virtually impossible for him to play for the Rams in 2024 unless they release him and he somehow clears waivers – two things that will never happen.
Still, Sean McVay was asked Monday whether he’s reached out to Donald about coming back. His response was telling, a clear indication that he and the Rams haven’t broached that idea.
He says it would “almost feel disrespectful” to ask Donald to come back, knowing how satisfied he was with his decision in March.
“I have a really special relationship with Aaron and if that was ever – he has done so much and he puts so much into everything, I would almost feel disrespectful reaching out to him just based on the principles and knowing him the way that I do,” McVay said. “If that was something that he was interested in, then that would obviously be something that you’re always open to, but I almost feel like it would be disrespectful to broach that subject with him just based on our conversations, the clarity, and the completeness that he felt like he had when he stepped away when he did. I don’t think there is anything but positive vibes and I don’t think he could have any regrets based on the way he handled every single day of his career. I know he’s really happy doing the things that he’s doing right now. He stays up with what we’re doing and he still physically looks like he could go do some really special stuff on the field, but that wouldn’t be something that would come up out of respect for him and our relationship.”
There’s no question Donald would make the Rams better, even with how well Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske are playing on the interior. And he’s certainly stayed in shape all season, being the workaholic and gym rat that he is.
But the idea that he’ll come out of retirement for a Rams playoff run isn’t going to happen, and the team isn’t even going to bring it up to the future Hall of Famer.
