Aaron Donald 80% Still Top 3 NFL Player

Aaron Donald, a former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, is considering a comeback to the NFL after a two-year retirement. According to Shawne Merriman, Donald could still be a top 3 player in the league even at 80% of his former level.

Merriman's assessment comes after Donald recently completed a formal workout with the Rams, a significant step in his potential comeback process. The process has accelerated since the Rams acquired reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett earlier in the offseason. Donald has been in touch with Garrett, and has been putting himself through a structured preparation process while the Rams wait for his decision.

The potential pairing of Donald with Garrett has sparked excitement, with Merriman believing it could be a dominant combination. Garrett, who joined the Rams after winning the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award and setting an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks, is seen as a key factor in Donald's potential comeback.

Sean McVay, the Rams' head coach, is hopeful about Donald's potential return but is refusing to pressure him into a decision. McVay stated that Donald is going through his process and he doesn't want to rush it. Desjuan Johnson, a former teammate of Donald's, believes Donald looks faster and hungrier after two years away from football.

However, not everyone is optimistic about Donald's potential comeback. Cris Carter, a Hall of Famer, has warned Donald about the potential health risks of returning to football. Despite this, Merriman believes that even at 80% of his former level, Donald would still be an elite defender.

## Why it matters The potential comeback of Aaron Donald has significant implications for the NFL. If Donald returns to the league, it could have a major impact on the Rams' chances of success, as well as the balance of power in the NFC West. With the addition of Myles Garrett, the Rams could become a formidable team, and Donald's return would only add to their strength.

## What happens next As Donald continues to weigh his options, the Rams and their fans wait anxiously for his decision. With the start of the season approaching, the clock is ticking for Donald to make a decision. If he does decide to return, it will be a major storyline in the NFL, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.