If the rumors about Aaron Donald’s desire to come out of retirement to join the Los Angeles Rams for 2026 come true, then the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will probably announce a decision in the near future, according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
Donald has been dominating the NFL news cycle more than basically any player who is actually active in the league right now, so it’s not surprising that Florio—and all reporters—would like an answer soon.
But will that actually be the case?
Florio says he is just the messenger, but he has a reliable source who reportedly told Florio that either Donald returns, and it could be announced “very soon”, or Donald doesn’t plan to return, and nothing will be said.
Plenty of variables but here’s Florio’s full quote from PFT Live:
“If he’s going to do it, and it’s ultimately his decision, he’s going to do it…we could hear something very soon. Today’s the 7th (of August). We could hear something very soon. Don’t be surprised…if he’s not, we’re not gonna hear anything, but if he is…we’re gonna hear something very soon.”
Florio shares that former head coach and now talking head Mike Tomlin doesn’t expect Donald to be back soon, but rather that the Rams want him for a playoff push. Tomlin doesn’t claim to have a source, but that’s how he views it.
We don’t have certainty on the Donald situation (though by the time you see this we might), but in theory and according to Florio, if Donald is back, we’ll know very soon. If he’s not, we won’t hear a word.
Florio says “don’t be surprised”, but Donald coming back would be surprising, so stay tuned. Though I don’t think anyone will miss the announcement that is made if AD does return.
File this one away under: Keep your eyes and ears open, in the Turf Show Times Zone.