INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 03: Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald 99 runs to the field before the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game against the Cleveland Browns on December 3, 2023, at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California. Photo by Kiyoshi Mio/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 03 Browns at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2312035766

Jul 15, 2026, 8:43 PM CUT

"He's coming back": NFL legend Aaron Donald's claim will upset 31 teams amid unretirement saga

Aaron Donald's retirement seemed to be the close of his chapter as one of the greatest defensive careers in NFL history. But after recent conversations about his return, analysts and fans wonder whether he could suit up again in 2026.

In the recent episode of the Stinkin' Truth podcast, Mark Schlereth and Will Peterson, retired NFL cornerback

"He's coming back this year to play for the LA Rams," discussed Mark Schlereth and Will Peterson on the Stinkin' Truth podcast. "The first one is this guy's a monster. He's a beast. He's going to fit right back in on arguably or not, maybe not arguably the best team in the NFL."

INGLEWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl Champion Aaron Donald during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Rams game on November 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 23 Buccaneers at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon20251123050

Schlereth discussed Donald on the @StinkinTruthPodcast YouTube video, highlighting his excellent physical condition and the Rams' championship-caliber roster. Donald has continued to work out even after retirement, and has recently worked out at the team's facility.

He still has the explosiveness that made him unblockable. Pairing him with Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, would create one of the most dominant defensive duos the NFL has ever seen.

Donald retired after the 2023 season due to exhaustion and loss of dedication to the daily grind. During his tenure, he earned ten Pro Bowl selections, eight First-Team All-Pro honors, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.

He finished with 543 tackles, 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and marked himself as one of the greatest defensive tackles in league history. He is going to make a comeback with the Rams positioned as legit Super Bowl contenders.

HC Sean McVay has embraced the idea, while Donald himself admitted he might be interested if he can again find the fire that defined his career. Nothing has been officially announced, but the momentum behind his return continues to spread.

If he returns, it will send a warning to the other 31 NFL teams that one of the football's most dominant defenders is ready for one more run at a Lombardi Trophy.

However, NFL insider Peter Schrager believes that the Rams legend has no intentions of returning unless he can perform at an elite level.

Aaron Donald's return hinges on one condition, say NFL insider

While speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Peter Schrager explained why Donald is not rushing into a decision.

"Aaron Donald is not going to come back as some 30-cent on the dollar version of Aaron Donald. He wants to be ready. ... He wants to be fully where he was when he retired two years ago," Peter Schrager said on The Pat McAfee Show via ESPN.

Donald has been training, but he is committed to meeting his own standards before entering the field. The Rams would welcome the Hall of Famer, yet Donald is firm in ensuring that he wants to go the full season if he comes back.

What are your views on the return of Aaron Donald? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Kalp Thaker