Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald is up for this major award in 2026 despite no official word of his return.
Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald is one of the favorites to win Comeback Player of the Year despite still being retired.
Donald has the fourth-best odds to win the award according to Fan Duel.
The three players in front of Donald are Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Donald has +750 odds to come away with the award despite not having announced his return to the NFL.
If Donald were to come back to play for the Rams and walk away with the award this season, it would be another addition of hardware to his already packed trophy case.
The future Hall of Famer last played in the 2023 season. It was the 10th and final season of his career before he retired. Donald last played in the NFC Wild Card game against the Detroit Lions.
Donald is expected to decide whether he will return sometime this week. All signs point to the 35-year-old making a comeback and joining a solid Rams roster. He's been pushing his limits for the past few months, doing his best to get back into football shape.
Rumors of Donald's potential return began almost immediately after the Rams acquired Myles Garrett.
For the first few weeks, that's all they were — rumors. Then, video surfaced in early July of Donald working out at the Rams' practice facility in Woodland Hills, changing the conversation entirely.
From that point forward, it was no longer a question of if Donald would return, but when he would make it official.
If Donald were to return, he’d join a team that is set to compete well into January, at least on paper. The Rams have arguably the most talented roster in the league from top to bottom. Leading the way on offense is quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is coming off an MVP season.
After Stafford, the offense is loaded with the likes of Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, a reliable offensive line, and multiple tight ends who could shine any given week.
As for the defense, that side of the ball could be the best in the league. The addition of Garrett shocked the football world as he joined a Rams team that revamped itself before the trade.
The defense also features All-Pro Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Quentin Lake and Kamren Kinchens, to name a few.
All eyes remain on Donald as he nears a decision on his future. At this point, it would be a surprise if the future Hall of Famer chose to remain retired.
