The Los Angeles Rams made one of the biggest splashes in recent memory on Monday when they landed All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for Jared Verse and three draft picks.
It isn’t often that a future first-ballot Hall of Famer becomes available in a trade, so the Rams jumped at the opportunity to add him to an already talented roster that many have to win the Super Bowl next season.
With a ton of excitement surrounding the team, former Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers suggested that Aaron Donald could come out of retirement to play with Garrett:
🚨Aaron Donald's former Rams DL teammate @MichaelBrockers HINTS to me and @lockedonbush that he's heard #99 may ACTUALLY end retirement to play with Myles Garrett:
"(I have) some knowledge that others might not have… My guy is staying ready so he doesn't have to get ready"👀 pic.twitter.com/leWKKNR4t5
— Gavin Carlson (@GavinCarlson_) June 2, 2026
Pat McAfee also added to the speculation by saying that Donald didn’t dismiss the possibility when he directly asked him if he would consider playing for the Rams next season:
I reached out to @AaronDonald97 this morning..
According to source(s) it for sure got him thinking..
He said he's 35 and he's gotta see if that fire can light backup..
Aaron Donald and Myles Garret playing together with the Rams would be INSANE #PMSLive https://t.co/u6ioUwWsHL pic.twitter.com/6Ikj8vlFe2
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 2, 2026
Donald also confirmed the possibility to NFL insider Jordan Schultz:
I texted Aaron Donald about coming out of retirement and playing for the Rams, alongside Myles Garrett:
“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.” pic.twitter.com/T94zbgdhgs
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 2, 2026
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, Donald appears to at least be considering the idea of suiting up for the Rams next season, which is a scary thought for opposing quarterbacks.
Now 35 years old, Donald hinted last season that he would come out of retirement if the Rams acquired Micah Parsons. That didn’t happen, but Garrett is arguably an even bigger star who could tempt the 10-time Pro Bowler to put the pads back on.
Donald’s contract expired with the Rams last year, so he is now an unrestricted free agent and would have to work out a new deal with them if he decides to play again.
Sean McVay & Rams coveted Myles Garrett for years
The Rams paid a steep price to acquire Garrett, but they felt it was a no-brainer for a player they coveted for years.
L.A.’s pursuit of Garrett reportedly went all the way back to 2022 when they were defending their Super Bowl title, but the Browns had been reluctant to deal the two-time Defensive Player of the Year until now.
