The Los Angeles Rams just pulled off one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history, acquiring superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. But the move might have an unexpected side effect: it could coax Aaron Donald out of retirement.
Donald, who hung up his cleats after the 2023 season, has been the subject of rampant speculation since the Garrett deal went down. ESPN's Pat McAfee said on his show that Donald texted him directly, admitting the trade "for sure got me thinking." That's about as close to a confirmation as you'll get from the notoriously private defensive tackle.
The timing is intriguing. Just days before the trade, Donald posted a workout video on Instagram with the caption "Quick work session" and a flexed bicep emoji. The song choice? "ain't done" by Blxst. Fans and analysts alike took note—especially since the 35-year-old looks like he's still in game shape. The NFL's official account even shared the clip, adding fuel to the fire.
On Tuesday's Get Up, ESPN insiders debated the feasibility of a Donald comeback. Adam Schefter pointed out the financial hurdles: after acquiring Garrett and making Trent McDuffie the highest-paid cornerback in the league, the Rams are strapped for cash. "They're out of money," Schefter said. But he acknowledged that cap space is often more flexible than it seems. "In this league, you can always find money," he noted, citing a conversation with another team executive who believes the Rams could make it work if they really want to.
Schefter stopped short of ruling it out entirely. "I wouldn't say there's a zero percent chance of it happening," he said. "I don't put a high degree of probability on it happening, but I'm not ready to just write it off."
Peter Schrager offered another angle: Donald's post-football plans haven't materialized as expected. The future Hall of Famer reportedly hoped to transition into Hollywood, following in the footsteps of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. But that acting career hasn't taken off. "He thought there was gonna be this Hollywood career ... I don't know if that's happened," Schrager said. Meanwhile, Donald has stayed in close contact with Rams head coach Sean McVay. "The relationship that McVay has with Aaron Donald is really strong," Schrager added, noting that Donald and his wife Erica regularly talk with the coach.
If Donald does return, pairing him with Garrett would create a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. The two would instantly form the most fearsome defensive line in the league—perhaps in NFL history. It's a tantalizing thought for Rams fans, who remember Donald's dominant 2021 season that ended with a Super Bowl victory.
Of course, there are plenty of hurdles beyond money. Donald has been retired for over two years, and even if he's stayed in shape, the grind of an NFL season is a different beast. His age (35) also raises questions about durability. But as Schrager pointed out, Donald has remained in football shape and is still deeply connected to the organization.
For now, the speculation is just that—speculation. But in a league where comebacks are always possible, and where teams routinely find cap space when motivated, the door remains open. Rams fans can dream of a defensive line that includes both Garrett and Donald—and that dream might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
