A potential return to football for Aaron Donald is becoming more realistic. The retired defensive tackle participated in an official "tryout" with his longtime team, the Los Angeles Rams, on Wednesday, according to the NFL's transaction wire. Rams head coach Sean McVay jokingly described it as the "best tryout we've ever had,"
and the workout appears to be another step toward Donald ending his retirement.Should Donald return within the next two weeks, the New Orleans Saints could be among the first teams to see the three-time Defensive Player of the Year back on a football field. The Saints are scheduled to hold a joint practice with the Rams on Aug. 20 before the teams meet in their preseason game at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 22. It is unlikely,
though, that Donald would participate in a preseason game, but seeing him in a joint practice is certainly a possibility.
That could create a difficult test for a Saints offensive line that has made improving the running game one of its biggest offseason priorities. Donald would join a loaded Rams defensive front that included reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, a major catalyst in Donald's exploration of returning to the NFL.
Donald, who retired after the 2023 season, recorded 111 career sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 24 forced fumbles in his 10-year career. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler and an eight-time First-Team All-Pro, and he terrorized the Saints offensive line at some of its strongest points over his decade in the NFL. Even at 35 years old, a return would immediately become one of the NFL's biggest stories — and the Saints might be given the first up-close look.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints could be first to see Rams star Aaron Donald if he unretires
