Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams are one of the top Super Bowl contenders heading into the 2026 season, and a potential Aaron Donald return would only boost their championship hopes.
Rams fans continue to anticipate Donald’s comeback, but McVay addressed how the team would proceed if the iconic defensive tackle ultimately decides against his rumored NFL return.
Sean McVay Explains What Happens If Aaron Donald Stays Retired
Donald remains one of the most dominant defensive linemen in NFL history, boasting three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight First-Team All-Pro selections. Even during his final NFL season in 2023, he continued to perform at an elite level, earning an 88.8 grade in PFN’s DT Impact, which placed him fourth in the nation.
Donald retired in 2024 as the Rams’ all-time sack leader with 111 sacks in 154 career games, but Rams fans continue to hope for a comeback. The former star defender has stayed in outstanding physical condition, and his offseason workout videos only fuel speculation about a possible return.
Earlier this offseason, McVay said Donald was evaluating how his body responded to training before deciding whether to return. McVay has maintained regular contact with the ex-Rams star and made it clear that if Donald feels capable of playing again, the team will explore every possible avenue to bring him back.
However, no decision is expected during training camp, and McVay also addressed the Rams’ approach if Donald ultimately decides to remain retired.
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“He’s going to have the opportunity to be able to make that decision, and we’ll give him his time,” McVay said. “And if that’s the case, great. And if not, you know what, he’s going to continue to enjoy the blessings that he’s earned off the field and all the different things he’s got going on. And I have tremendous confidence in the group that is here.”
“That’ll be something in the near future that I think we should have some clarity on.”@RamsNFL HC Sean McVay on the potential return of eight-time All-Pro DT Aaron Donald.
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— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 1, 2026
Even if Donald never returns, the Rams appear well-positioned for the 2026 season. Their defense received a big boost with the acquisition of reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who is coming off a historic 23-sack season in 2025.
Los Angeles also boasts a talented interior defensive line featuring Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford as starters, with Tyler Davis providing quality depth in the rotation. Whether Donald returns or not, the Rams already possess one of the league’s strongest four-man interior defensive line groups.
The defense also received a boost with the additions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. While the unit started last season on a high note before fading late in the year, the arrival of these experienced veterans is expected to provide greater stability and elevate the defense in 2026.
