Is Aaron Donald seriously considering a return to the Los Angeles Rams? That seems to be the No. 1 question in NFL circles right now.
The Rams have already made quite the splash this week by acquiring Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick and 2029 third-round pick. While that may seem like a steep price to pay, it might not be enough considering Garrett is the best pass rusher of his generation. We're talking about a player who just set the single-season record for sacks (23).
After the Rams pulled off this blockbuster deal, Pat McAfee suggested that Donald could come out of retirement. Those rumors only got louder this Tuesday when the future Hall of Famer offered his thoughts on a return to the gridiron.
"I’m for sure flirting with the idea," Donald texted NFL insider Jordan Schultz. "Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility."
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
McVay was asked about Donald potentially coming out of retirement during Garrett’s introductory news conference. Let's just say he did nothing to defuse the rumors.
“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, 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.”
Would Aaron Donald still be effective for the Rams?
During the 2023 season, Donald had 53 tackles, 23 QB hits and eight sacks. He wasn't the Defensive Player of the Year during his final season, but he still performed at an All-Pro level.
The Rams will be in win-now mode regardless if Donald comes out of retirement. Their roster is just loaded with talent on both sides of the football.
Make no mistake though, the Rams would benefit from having Donald back in the trenches.
