New Aaron Donald Rumors on Return, Contract Leak Ahead of Rams' NFL Opener vs. 49ers in Australia

The Los Angeles Rams "are still optimistic" about a possible return by three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter the situation remains fluid as the Rams prepare for their opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. Should Donald decide to come back, L.A. will then focus on the financial particulars:

"He's had several workouts with the team that they've had to list as like a free-agent workout. He's done that. Still no firm answer, but there's not a huge rush here. I've never really sensed that because they know Aaron Donald keeps himself in phenomenal shape. He can come in as an in-season sniper. You know, he doesn't have to play the 17 games. They're getting ready to go to Australia. Now, there is still time. They're leaving late in the process, just a few days before that next Thursday. So, still some time if he wants to get signed and get acclimated. He's also got his contract. He's got one year, $30 million that's frozen from his previous contract when he retired. Do they need to re that up? They're sort of waiting for him to decide, 'Do I definitely want to play?' Once he does that, then they can address his contract. "

The MMQB's Albert Breer said earlier this week on The Rich Eisen Show that Donald's contract for 2026 could present a hurdle. The Rams are $16.7 million under the salary cap, half as much as he's entitled to earn.

Even assuming the 35-year-old takes a pay cut, it could have a domino effect. Adding void years to a reworked contract would impact the cap beyond this season, for example.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua and defenders Kobie Turner and Byron Young are among the Rams' notable free agents in 2027, so general manager Les Snead will want to have as much long-term flexibility as possible.

The opportunity to add Donald is tough to pass up. Given both his likely role and the way in which he has taken care of his body should make it easier to work him into the lineup after Week 1 if it comes to that.

Settling on a contract number that works for everybody could prove to be the sticking point.