The Roster Takes Shape
When the Los Angeles Rams completed a trade for Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, it marked a major upgrade for a team already considered among the NFL’s best. Observers pointed out that adding the pass‑rusher Garrett would push the roster to another level.
The notion of further reinforcement took on extra meaning because Aaron Donald, a former Defensive Player of the Year, retired after the 2023 season and has not played since. In recent days the defensive tackle told several contacts he is reconsidering his retirement.
The list looks clean on paper; the hard part is everything that happens after it is printed.
The Margins Are Thin
On Tuesday, during The Pat McAfee Show, Donald replied to a text about a possible return and wrote, “It for sure got me thinking.” He sent similar messages to a handful of people, telling Jordan Schultz: “I’m for sure flirting with the idea.” He also mentioned the appeal of winning another Super Bowl in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium.
Fellow former teammate Michael Brockers hinted on the Locked on Rams podcast that Donald is staying ready, saying, “My guy is staying ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.” LeSean McCoy, also retired, said on his Speakeasy podcast that Donald responded to his text and appears to be mulling a comeback.
The Next Test Arrives
Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the situation, saying he would welcome Donald back if he decides to return. “If he’s interested, we’d love to have him,” McVay said, noting the respect Donald holds for Garrett.
Donald, 35, spent his entire 10‑year career with the Rams, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and helping the team win a Super Bowl in a 23‑20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium. He has posted recent workout videos, showing he is keeping in shape, and teammate Jaylen Watson publicly urged the veteran to come back.