McVay addresses Aaron Donald rumors - Turf Show Times

What the report says

Turf Show Times reported that Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has remained in contact with retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald amid ongoing speculation about a possible return for the 2026 season. The article, published July 22, said McVay discussed Donald during an interview with Jason La Canfora of The Daily Flock podcast and made clear that the Rams would be receptive if Donald decides he wants to play again.

According to the report, McVay described his relationship with Donald as extending beyond football and said Donald is taking time to work through his decision. McVay emphasized that Donald tends to commit fully once he chooses a direction, but the article noted that the Rams do not yet know whether the former star will come out of retirement.

The uncertainty follows weeks of rumors tied to the Rams’ trade for Myles Garrett, which has fueled discussion about a potential Donald-Garrett pairing. Turf Show Times also pointed to a financial complication: because Donald retired before his contract ended, a return could involve a pending $30 million payment that would need to be addressed before he played again.

The report added that ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Wednesday that no decision from Donald is expected soon, meaning the matter could remain unresolved for weeks or longer. Donald has not played since 2023, and any comeback would be significant for a Rams defense that would be adding one of the franchise’s most accomplished players back into its plans.