Aaron Donald, who got a restraining order against his stalker Janelle Anwar .
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
Mike Florio has predicted that Aaron Donald will not play for the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 against the 49ers in Australia. He noted that any potential return to the franchise is likely to happen much later in the season, possibly before the Week 13 deadline, but the Los Angeles Rams remain hopeful about reuniting with three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year again, according to a report from Bleacher Report.
Jeremy Fowler, an insider, appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter and stated that the situation is still evolving as the organization works through its roster cuts. Fowler explained that while Donald has participated in multiple workouts at the team facility, neither party feels pressure to make an immediate decision: “There’s still no firm answer, but there’s not a huge rush here. I've never really sensed that pressure because they know Aaron Donald keeps himself in phenomenal shape. He can come in as an in-season sniper.”
Fowler also mentioned that Donald's contract is currently frozen, leaving him with a one-year, $30 million salary from his pre-retirement deal. This situation allows both sides to negotiate financial terms once Donald decides he wants to play again.
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However, financial considerations might present a challenge. Albert Breer pointed out on The Rich Eisen Show that the Rams currently have $16.7 million in available salary cap space, which is about half of Donald’s frozen salary. Reworking the contract with void years could complicate long-term salary cap flexibility, especially as general manager Les Snead looks ahead to free agency for key young players like Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young in 2027.
Ultimately, the delay hinges on Donald’s personal conviction. ESPN's Peter Schrager noted on The Pat McAfee Show that the 35-year-old defensive tackle must feel fully confident in his ability to perform at an elite level before officially signing with the team. As the season opener approaches in Melbourne, both sides are waiting for the right moment when Donald’s physical readiness and financial terms align.