There aren’t a lot of players who credibly get to make the case that they were the most dominant player in football for a given period of time. Aaron Donald is the exception to that list. Arguably the greatest defensive player of all-time, the legendary Los Angeles Rams had no equal in the league.
At the height of his powers, he was a one-man wrecking crew. But returning to the NFL after a lengthy absence has some folks questioning just how good he can be.
Aaron Donald Has to Win Folks Over
The Rams have made it clear that they are going all-in this season. Trading for Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett helped improve their defense multifold. But now, they are adding the crown jewel to the defensive line by bringing back the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
A Pro Bowler in each of his 10 seasons in the league, he was invaluable for the squad as they won Super Bowl 56, including forcing the game-ending incompletion on Joe Burrow.
His dominance is abundantly clear on PFN’s DT Impact Metric. Donald has the top-4 DTi seasons, five top-10, and seven top-14. He has five games all time with a score of 100, nine of 99 or above, 17 of 95 or above, and 40 games with a score of 90 or above.
During his tenure, he had a perfect 100.0 score in three separate seasons, ranked first in the league for seven consecutive years, and finished in the top 5 in two other seasons.
Even with those highs, the reality is that he’s also been away from the sport for two seasons.
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As a result, some fans have doubts about what he can accomplish as a 35-year-old. As one fan outright claimed, “I promise you Aaron Donald is washed. Idc if he’s only 35. He’s washed.”
no need to. I promise you Aaron Donald is washed. Idc if he’s only 35. He’s washed 😂
— Revival (@Aristocracy16_) August 30, 2026
But the other side of the equation was hard to ignore.
“Will Aaron Donald be Aaron Donald again? He’s 35 and hasn’t played in two years? Yes, he’s a freak. But that’s asking a lot. If they get 75-percent of the old Donald, that will be impressive,” Pete Prisco of CBS Sports exclaimed.
Will Aaron Donald be Aaron Donald again? He’s 35 and hasn’t played in two years? Yes, he’s a freak. But that’s asking a lot. If they get 75-percent of the old Donald, that will be impressive.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) August 30, 2026
Given his ceiling being the highest of any defender ever, even 75% of that ceiling, as Prisco predicted, would be more than enough to transform the Rams completely. However, some fans went the joking route with his decision.
A Green Bay Packers fan poked fun at the signing, claiming, “All this to beat Jordan Love. Side note: I’m sure he’ll be good, but he’s 35 and hasn’t played in 2+ years. I don’t think it’s crazy to say he won’t be the same Aaron Donald he was 3 years ago.”
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One Cincinnati Bengals podcaster was bothered by the contract Donald was given for his comeback, as the Rams signed him to a one-year deal worth $20 million, with the possibility of the number increasing to $30 million if he cleared certain playoff objectives.
“Look, I know Aaron Donald was incredible, but can we see how he plays after 2 years away from the game at age 35 before glazing the Rams TOO much for giving him $20m? He’s probably still good, but maybe let’s see what happens? Just me?” Jake Liscow posted on X.
Look I know Aaron Donald was incredible but can we see how he plays after 2 years away from the game at age 35 before glazing the Rams TOO much for giving him $20m?
He’s probably still good but maybe let’s see what happens? just me?
— Jake Liscow (@JakeLiscow) August 30, 2026
Some fans quickly pointed to the lack of physicality, taking time to get used to, which could cause Donald to break down: “Aaron Donald is 35 and hasn’t played a snap of football in damn near 1000 days. Ain’t no way he finishes this season without injury.”
One fan wanted to be measured about his excitement for the announcement, claiming, “I dunno man, Aaron Donald is 35 and hasn’t played a snap of football in 2 years, so excuse my skepticism on this beyond the hype moments and aura.”
It remains to be seen how Donald’s reality on the defensive line in 2026 pans out for the Rams. It has seemed like a moment that has been building for months. But now that it is a reality, fans remain uncertain about how good it truly can be.
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to find out, as the Rams open their season on September 10 in the first NFL game in Australia, when they take on the San Francisco 49ers.
