Donald mulls Rams comeback at 35 after two years away; could elevate interior D-line.

Aaron Donald is working out at Rams facilities and mulling a 2026 comeback after two years away from the field (last played in 2024). At age 35, his return would impact the Rams' defensive line rotation and depth chart. The Rams don't necessarily need elite-level production given recent defensive additions (Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie), but adding a player of Donald's caliber and championship resume would be beneficial. Donald's PFF defensive grades declined in his final two seasons (2022–2023) to 90.5 and 90.8, respectively, down from a 92.6–94.8 range during his 2015–2021 peak (including the 2021 championship season); he also missed time to injury in 2022 and played only 615 total snaps in 2023, the lowest mark of his career. Even after two years of inactivity, the article projects he could play 400–600 snaps as a designated interior pass rusher and should still elevate the Rams' defense above current interior options (Turner, Fiske) given his demonstrated elite pass-rush ability. The team could strategically deploy him late in games to seal outcomes and preserve him for the postseason rather than heavy regular-season usage.