Retired Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald had a tryout with his former team Wednesday, adding to speculation that a comeback could be on the horizon.
Labeling the workout at the Rams’ facility as a “tryout” was a formality to comply with league rules and processes, head coach Sean McVay later said in an interview with “NFL Daily,” which is why it appeared on the league’s official transaction wire.
“Best tryout that we’ve ever had,” a grinning McVay said. “I think he can make the team.”
Donald, a 2014 first-round draft pick and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, spent 10 seasons with the Rams. He was voted to the Pro Bowl 10 times, was named an All-Pro eight times and helped make the game-sealing play in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win over the Cincinnati Bengals after the 2021 season. He announced his retirement in March 2024.
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The 35-year-old has toyed with a return ever since the Rams made their blockbuster trade to acquire Myles Garrett this offseason.
The admiration is mutual between the two. When asked about Donald on Wednesday, Garrett gushed about the way that he “practiced his craft.”
“You see the videos where he’s doing 100 percent. He’s doing the knife, he’s doing the pass trainer, he’s working on his feet,” Garrett said. “His footwork is impeccable, but he also has good off sets, similar to an end. He has a great feel for the game. His intuition on when to use a move, when to get in phase and out of phase as far as run blocks. He had an outstanding feel for the game in addition to being a freak athletically.”
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula couldn’t hide his excitement at the possibility of adding Donald.
“You’re getting one of the greatest players of all time,” he said.
In July, McVay said the team wouldn’t receive a decision on Donald’s return until the conclusion of training camp, but there appears to be some momentum.
“If there’s an arrow, it’s pointing up,” McVay said.
— Nate Atkins contributed to this story.