The Los Angeles Rams have made the most chaotic offseason move of 2026, and it just got even more chaotic. After landing Myles Garrett from Cleveland in a blockbuster deal, speculation arose that Aaron Donald could come out of retirement to play alongside him. Donald himself is now considering the possibility.
Donald's Reaction to the Trade
Pat McAfee reached out to Donald on Tuesday, the morning after the trade, and Donald's reply left the door wide open. "It for sure got me thinking," he texted McAfee. "35, removed two years ago, gotta see if that fire can light back up." For a player with Donald's competitive nature, this reads closer to a yes than a no. Former teammate Michael Brockers added fuel to the fire, cryptically noting that his guy "stays ready so he doesn't have to get ready." Donald is reportedly in elite shape, making this feel like genuine temptation.
The Blockbuster Trade
The Rams traded for Garrett by sending Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-rounder to Cleveland. This steep price brought in a player who set the NFL's single-season sack record with 23 last year and is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The deal instantly made the Rams the only team with single-digit Super Bowl odds. Then Donald's comments shifted the entire conversation.
What a Garrett-Donald Duo Would Mean
A Garrett-Donald pairing would be the most frightening defensive front in modern NFL history. Garrett, at 30, is at the peak of his powers, commanding double teams on every snap. Donald is a three-time DPOY, eight-time first-team All-Pro, and finished with 111 career sacks, numbers that guarantee first-ballot Hall of Fame status. His last season in 2023 saw him earn All-Pro honors at age 32. After two years staying in shape while watching the Rams build around Matthew Stafford, the arrival of the reigning DPOY could be the spark.
Logistically, a return would be straightforward. Donald remains on the Rams' reserve/retired list, so reinstatement is simple, and his salary would be reinstated. While Adam Schefter has cited cap concerns, the Rams just gave up three draft picks and a starter for Garrett. They didn't go that far to stop halfway. If Donald's fire reignites, LA will find a way to make room.
Stay Updated
Stay updated with the IPL 2026 Final between RCB and GT on Times of India. Follow live match updates, the latest IPL news, full IPL schedule, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
About the Author
Amisha Pandey has been covering the NFL since 2024, with her eyes always on the latest buzz — from dating rumors to Instagram posts. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a flair for storytelling, she mixes quirky words with an easy, consumable style. Beyond football, Amisha dives into pop culture, viral trends, and celebrity drama, while her personal passions include music, rap, movies, and content creation.
