Aaron Donald hasn't played an NFL snap since the 2023 season, but that hasn't stopped oddsmakers from giving the legendary defensive tackle the fourth-best odds to win Comeback Player of the Year at +750. With Donald still officially retired, the odds alone show just how much momentum has built behind the possibility of a return. Polymarket currently gives him a a 81% chance to sign with any team before 2026-27 Regular Season.
At this point, Donald's comeback might be the worst-kept secret in the NFL. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year has continued training, recently worked out at the Rams' facility, and has fueled widespread speculation that he's preparing to return to Los Angeles. Sean McVay has continued to leave the door open, although the Rams have yet to make the move official.
The Rams currently sit as the favorites to win the Super Bowl across all major sportsbooks. On June 2, when they traded for Myles Garrett, a $100 bet placed on the Rams to win the Super Bowl became worth $154. Since then, they have slowly continued to trend upward, and with the recent Aaron Donald news, that same $100 bet is now worth $170.
The biggest question may simply be timing. It is possible Donald has held off on signing because he doesn't want to participate in a full training camp after spending more than two seasons away from football. Recent reports indicate he has been carefully testing how his body responds to football activity before making his final decision.
If Donald does return, the narrative is already writing itself. A future Hall of Famer coming out of retirement to join a Rams defense that now features Myles Garrett would instantly become one of the biggest stories of the NFL season, and at +750, the betting market clearly believes there's a real chance it happens.
