Aaron Donald has returned to the Los Angeles Rams, ending a two-year retirement, but scouts hold differing opinions on whether the defensive tackle will perform at his previous Hall of Fame caliber.
Donald, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, retired after the 2023 season. His return has bolstered a Rams team seen as a Super Bowl contender, but questions remain about his impact at age 35 and after a significant layoff.
Some scouts believe Donald will immediately contribute at a high level, citing his rigorous training regimen. One scout noted that Donald underwent 14 weeks of intense workouts with personal trainers before deciding to rejoin the team. This scout suggested Donald could be a significant rotational player, potentially becoming an every-down player after an initial adjustment period. "If one man can do it – it’s AD," one longtime scout stated, adding that Donald "still trains like a player" and possesses a "strong appetite for Ball."
Another scout expressed optimism, suggesting Donald could be a "sub-package, plug-and-play guy" early on. While acknowledging potential "rust" and the effects of "wear and tear," this scout still views Donald as a "difference maker and leader."
However, not all league insiders share this enthusiastic outlook. Some express concerns about Donald's age and the extended absence from the game. "My guess is he is a good player, but not great anymore," one league source commented. This source projects Donald to play only 35% to 40% of the Rams' defensive snaps this season, attributing this limitation more to his age than the time missed.
Historically, Donald has played a significant role in the Rams' defense, participating in at least 67% of his team's defensive snaps in every NFL season of his career. In his last season before retirement, he played 81% of the Rams' snaps. The article notes that some veteran defensive linemen become situational players as they age, referencing Von Miller, who played 37% of the Washington Commanders' snaps at age 36 last season.
Another scout acknowledged Donald's past greatness but cautioned against assuming he will immediately return to that form. "He’s not immune to reality. He’s 35. He retired three years ago. It’s not easy to play at that age. It’s even harder being away for so long." This scout advised a "wait and see" approach.
Donald's production in his final season before retiring was 8 sacks in 16 games. His last double-digit sack season was in 2021, when he recorded 12.5 sacks. The potential return of Donald to a defensive line that includes Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, presents a formidable challenge for opposing offenses. "If he’s healthy, you can’t block them both. It’s a problem for everybody," one scout said, reiterating that health remains the primary concern.