By: @OOSSports
The Los Angeles Rams might be on the verge of turning a far-fetched offseason dream into a terrifying reality for the rest of the NFL.
After Aaron Donald recently completed a workout in Los Angeles, per Reuters, momentum surrounding a reunion between the retired defensive tackle and his former team has reportedly increased. The workout represents another meaningful development as Donald evaluates whether his body can withstand an NFL return at 35 years old.
Bleacher Report’s James Palmer said on his X, formerly Twitter, account that the possibility is “starting to gain steam,” though Donald must still determine whether his elite conditioning can translate back into football performance.
“He’s stayed in remarkable shape,” Palmer stated in the clip. “But there are differences between football shape and staying in shape. And no one knows that better, probably, than Aaron Donald.”
The Rams have expressed interest in a reunion while allowing Donald to dictate the pace of the process. Los Angeles has not mounted an aggressive pursuit, and the two sides have yet to enter substantive contract talks.
Palmer noted that the financial details “could be worked out relatively easily” if the former Rams star decides to return.
“If we’re looking at a timeline, we would probably know a handful of days, just a guess, before the start of training camp,” Palmer added.
The Myles Garrett trade ultimately changed the Rams’ outlook
Donald’s potential comeback has gained traction since Los Angeles acquired Myles Garrett, creating the possibility of pairing two of the most dominant defensive players of their generation.
The Rams’ addition of Garrett gives Donald a compelling reason to consider one more championship pursuit. Garrett’s presence would also reduce the attention opposing offenses could devote to Donald, allowing the former Rams star to operate without carrying the entire defensive front.
Los Angeles would likely manage Donald’s workload rather than immediately return him to an every-down role. The Rams could deploy him primarily in passing situations and preserve his body for critical downs and postseason football.
That approach would allow Donald to make a meaningful impact without requiring him to reproduce the snap volume that defined his prime.
Donald would face unprecedented challenge
Only a few elite players have returned successfully after spending multiple seasons away from the NFL.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero recently pointed to Deion Sanders as a rare example of a future Hall of Famer returning after an extended absence in another post to the platform. Sanders played a reduced role for Baltimore in 2004 and 2005 after sitting out three seasons, producing solid results without reaching his previous standard.
Donald would face a similar challenge.
He retired after the 2023 season following a decade in which he earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight first-team All-Pro honors, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Even a diminished version of Donald, however, could substantially strengthen an already imposing Los Angeles defense.
The Rams would not need him to recreate every element of his historic peak. If Donald can return at even a fraction below his prime level, his explosiveness, technique, and experience could transform the team’s championship ceiling.
Los Angeles already entered 2026 with enormous expectations. Adding Donald beside Garrett could give the Rams one of the most intimidating defensive fronts in recent NFL history.
For now, the decision remains Donald’s.
But after weeks of speculation, a return no longer feels impossible. The next step may determine whether one of football’s greatest defenders has one final season left in him.
Thanks for reading OutOfSightSports. Follow @OOSSports across our various social media platforms for the latest sports news, analysis, and viral moments, and stay tuned for our next YouTube episode.
