Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay opens up on the question the entire football world is waiting for an answer on
The Los Angeles Rams could be even better than they already are, but it’s Aaron Donald’s decision to come back that keeps everyone on their toes.
There aren’t many holes on this Los Angeles Rams roster. And, the defensive line, the starters anyway, certainly isn’t one of them. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try to add one of the greatest defensive tackles ever to their roster. Aaron Donald could come back, and that should scare the NFL.
But head coach Sean McVay has a lot on his plate right now. Between managing this team during the preseason and training camp, to getting them ready for a potential title run, to constantly being asked about Donald. He opened up on it even more than he has over the last few weeks.
Sean McVay talks Aaron Donald’s decision to come back or stay retired
“It’s going to be on his timeline,” McVay told reporters. “When he feels good about having clarity, whether that is yes or whether that ends up being a no, we have had some tentative decisions behind the scenes. If Aaron (Donald) does decide he wants to do it, I have been very open to be able to try and explore that opportunity. What I don’t want is to sit here and do is put a timeline on it, then something comes up where I have to push it back.
“What I have said to him is that we have some loose things that I have identified. I am hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later, but I also want to respect when he does feel that clarity will come. I think there is a chance we will be closer to that than not, but again, I don’t want to say too much or put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn’t exist in my mind for him.”
The football world is wondering whether Donald will come back. Donald retired a few years ago. He got his ring, and he’s since noted that he really didn’t have much else left to play for. However, the Rams trading for Myles Garrett, another guy in those talks, lit a potential fire under Donald.
The Rams don’t need Donald to be a team that can win the Super Bowl in 2026. In fact, they may be the outright favorites without him. And they definitely don’t need Donald to have a great pass rush or run stop. Their defensive line is very good without him. The DL without Garrett and Donald last season was seventh in sacks with 47 and second in pressures with 288. They did have Jared Verse. But now they also have Garrett.
They were also fourth in forced fumbles and allowed the 11th-fewest first downs in the run game. Now, add Garrett to that, who’s maybe the best defensive end we have seen in the NFL in a very long time. They will be fine without Donald. But adding Donald certainly gives them an even bigger nod.
