The Los Angeles Rams sent shockwaves through the NFL when they acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Jared Verse and three draft picks.
Garrett is one of the best pass rushers in NFL history who set the single-season record with 23 sacks last season.
The addition of Garrett has reportedly caught the attention of Aaron Donald, who is intrigued by the idea of coming out retirement and playing alongside him on the Rams defensive line.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post, Donald is strongly considering suiting up for the Rams in 2026:
Multiple league sources indicate the greatest defensive player in Rams history is seriously contemplating coming out of retirement to lend a massive helping hand to the club’s Super Bowl aspirations.
Inspired by the Rams’ addition of Garrett, and motivated by the tantalizing possibilities of joining forces with the best pass rusher in the NFL, Donald might actually dust off his Superman cape for a triumphant return.
Donald last played for the Rams in 2023, which was the 10th and final season of his career. A future Hall of Famer in his own right, Donald has repeatedly said over the years that he is happy being retired and does not want to return to football.
However, the 10-time Pro Bowler is said to be intrigued by the prospect of playing with Garrett and forming one of the best pass-rush duos in NFL history.
Donald is now an unrestricted free agent, so if he does decide to return, he would have to work out a new deal with the Rams.
Cooper Kupp jokingly told Aaron Donald that he isn’t allowed to return to Rams
Donald and Garrett teaming up is a scary thought for the rest of the NFL, and former Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp said during an appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show” that he jokingly told Donald to forget the idea.
“I already texted him and told him he’s not allowed, so we’re good. I just texted Aaron and said, ‘Don’t even think about it,’ and left it at that. So, we’re good,” Kupp said.
“I’m not worried about it, because he’s not. Because I told him he can’t. I already nipped it in the bud. No one has to worry.”
Donald is 35 now and hasn’t played in three years. But considering that he remains in excellent shape, Kupp doesn’t believe it will take him long to pick up where he left off.
“That would be crazy,” Kupp began. “He is a very good football player. I don’t care, whatever, how old he is, how long he hasn’t played. Aaron Donald is Aaron Donald. But it doesn’t matter, because I told him he can’t.”