Before June 1, there was no speculation that Aaron Donald might unretire and rejoin the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026-27 season.
Although the Rams’ defense was solid before the start of the new month, they lacked an elite difference–maker who would make it worthwhile for Donald to consider returning to Los Angeles in his mid-30s. That all changed last Monday, as the Rams traded for dominant edge rusher Myles Garrett to give them a significant edge on the defensive side of the ball next season.
Shortly after the move, the idea of Donald coming out of retirement to compete with the Rams again took shape, with the 35-year-old Super Bowl champion even confirming that the thought had crossed his mind. Dallas Cowboys great Michael Irvin isn’t on board with the potential NFL-altering move, as he recently urged the NFL to prevent it from occurring.
“People talking about Aaron Donald thinking about coming back, and we know that’s not real,” Irvin said last Friday. “We just know that’s not real because would expect the NFL to step in and stop that. You cannot allow Aaron Donald.”
“I don’t care if he’s been off for a few years. I don’t care what you think. You can’t allow Aaron Donald.”
The NFL can’t do anything about a player wanting to temporarily put their retirement on hold to come back to the league, making Irvin’s plea unreasonable. The fact that Irvin doesn’t want Donald back with the Rams just goes to show how feared the future Hall of Famer is, even as a non-active player.
Donald’s daunting speed, physicality, and perfected use of the swim move helped him fight his way into opposing backfields and make his presence felt regularly. Just seven seasons ago, the former first-round pick recorded an eye-popping 20.5 sacks to go along with 59 tackles, solidifying himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
The rest of the league should hope Donald remains retired this season, or things could get ugly.
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