Join our FREE personalized newsletter for news, trends, and insights that matter to everyone in America

Newsletter
New

Aaron Donald Comeback Buzz Grows As Adam Schefter Drops Shocking Prediction

Card image cap

Myles Garrett; Sean McVay; Aaron Donald

Aaron Donald‘s comeback has gone from pure fantasy to a legitimate NFL conversation.

Speaking on his podcast this week, ESPN insider Adam Schefter said he believes it is now “more likely than not” that the future Hall of Famer returns to the Los Angeles Rams after retiring following the 2023 season.

f064f056ee67411307f032c90b87f606
Adam Schefter says Aaron Donald’s Rams return is “more likely than not” after the Myles Garrett trade. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
69de4d2c7da2565bd9ee242c88f65bd5
Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns and defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams Diamond Images/Getty Images

Schefter was careful to note that nobody inside the organization is guaranteeing anything. In fact, he repeatedly stressed that a Donald comeback remains speculative. What caught his attention, however, is how many people around the league are treating the possibility as real.

“I think when you talk to all the people involved, nobody is coming out right now and saying Aaron Donald is coming back, but everybody is acknowledging that it is a possibility,” Schefter said.

The catalyst, of course, is Myles Garrett.

The Rams stunned the NFL by acquiring the two-time Defensive Player of the Year from Cleveland, instantly boosting a championship-caliber roster to a new level and raising an intriguing question: Would Donald be interested in one more run if it meant lining up next to the league’s most dominant edge rusher?

cbd6c69e059a92a21646ce95bb42d18a
Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a sack during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys Getty Images

Schefter believes the answer may be yes.

“The fact that this is even coming up, the fact that the Rams have the team they do, the fact that Aaron Donald would get to play with Myles Garrett, the fact that the Super Bowl is in Los Angeles this year … I just think the ingredients are there to make it happen,” Schefter said.

Donald himself helped fuel the speculation. After Pat McAfee reached out following the Garrett trade, Donald admitted the move “for sure got me thinking.” But he also provided McAfee with a caveat to that, “Gotta see if that fire can light back up.”

That represents a notable shift from November, when Donald said he was fulfilled in retirement and no longer loved playing football.

c7bde96eb1245fd4de3b37b411a7ba97
Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals Getty Images
4c4bb7d1437f014bed516a6f5d8232f1
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (left) and coach Sean McVay IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Schefter acknowledged financial considerations of the possible reunion, noting that people inside the Rams organization view it as financially difficult. Rival executives, however, aren’t buying the cap concerns.

“When you speak to other teams, they’re like, ‘They’ll find the money. They’ll make it happen,'” Schefter said.

If Donald does return, Schefter doesn’t envision a midseason cameo.

“If he’s going to do it.” Schefter said. “he’s going to be all in.”

That could mean a longer than normal ramp up period, possible modified practice schedule and a reduced workload, but not a half-hearted comeback.

For now, the Rams are letting Donald think it over. But according to Schefter, the conversation has already advanced beyond wishful thinking.

And for the first time since Donald walked away, a return feels more realistic than ever.


Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!