The Los Angeles Rams just made the biggest splash of the NFL offseason by trading for superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. But that blockbuster move has sparked an even bigger question: Could Aaron Donald be coming back?
Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked directly about the possibility during Garrett's introductory press conference, and he did absolutely nothing to shut down the speculation. In fact, he practically left the door wide open.
“Here’s what I would tell you guys overall, too: Aaron is a guy that I stay really close in touch with, and I know the respect that he has for Myles,” McVay said, via Pro Football Talk. “Talked to him about the opportunity to bring [Garrett] on board. If Aaron decides he wants to dust ’em off at the age of 35, I bet you he can still do it at a pretty high clip.”
Those words come after Donald himself admitted he's flirting with a comeback. The future Hall of Famer texted NFL insider Jordan Schultz: “I’m for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility.”
Donald retired after the 2023 season, but his final campaign was still elite: 53 tackles, 23 quarterback hits, and eight sacks. He wasn't Defensive Player of the Year, but he played at an All-Pro level. Now, with the Rams adding the league's best pass rusher in Garrett—who just set a single-season sack record with 23—the thought of those two lining up together is enough to make any offensive coordinator lose sleep.
The Rams paid a hefty price to land Garrett, sending Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. But if it also helps lure Donald back, that deal could go down as one of the most impactful in franchise history.
McVay has been open about his close relationship with Donald, and the coach's comments suggest he's already had conversations about the possibility. The Rams are clearly in win-now mode, with a roster loaded on both sides of the ball. Adding Donald to a defensive line that already features Garrett would be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
The Super Bowl being played at SoFi Stadium this season only adds to the allure. For a competitor like Donald, the chance to chase another ring on home turf might be the spark he needs to find that fire again.
McVay's own journey has been full of twists, including a 5-12 season that almost ended his coaching career. But now, with Garrett in the fold and Donald potentially returning, the Rams are poised for a dramatic resurgence.
Whether Donald actually suits up again remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: McVay isn't ruling anything out. And that alone is enough to keep the rumor mill spinning at full speed.
