Aaron Donald is gearing up to take new Rams defense even higher

In his Los Angeles Rams playing days, legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald followed a specific workout schedule to keep himself in top form. During the season, he focused on overall strength, endurance, agility, and timing. In the offseason, he emphasized muscle density and power.

It feels significant that NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports Donald's recent workouts have taken on a football flavor.

While news on Donald's potential return may be growing stale for some, the endless stream of clues, hints, and rumors continues because his pending unretirement would change the landscape of the NFL.

Donald walked away from football on his terms. So it's only fitting that he comes back according to those terms as well. When will the Aaron Donald saga conclude? Well, head coach Sean McVay suggested August 8, 2026, the day after training camp, would be the earliest date for any new announcements.

For now? Fans must wait. Meanwhile, Donald continues his NFL-style workouts.

Aaron Donald could change everything about this defense

LA may not have intended to lure Donald back, but the chance to rejoin a defense that now includes cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, as well as edge rusher Myles Garrett, promises mind-blowing potential that may be too much for AD to resist.

Imagine the run-stuffing bonus for nose tackle Poona Ford and inside linebacker Nate Landman, who had never lined up with Donald on the same defense.

The season before Donald retired, he recorded eights sacks and 53 tackles. He remained an All-Pro throughout his career. His return to a stacked defense is no publicity stunt. Donald would be a significant contributor; the only way he will choose to return is if he believes he can still be relevant.

Let's address that right now. He is.

Teams only get 11 players per side. With Donald, the math no longer maths. No offense can double-team five defenders at the line of scrimmage and off the edge.

Not only would linemen have to deal with Donald, they'll be doubling Garrett on nearly every snap. The Rams would get more one-on-ones for Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Ford, and Braden Fiske. And that disrupts the entire offensive game plan.

No, Donald is not faster than a bullet, nor can he leap over skyscrapers in a single bound. Maybe he isn't quite Superman. But his return would change how offenses attack the Rams defense and give coordinator Chris Shula a distinct advantage. It's a hard wait for everyone. Fortunately, every indication is that all the waiting will ultimately pay off.

As always, thanks for reading.

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