Myles Garrett joined the Los Angeles Rams earlier this month in one of the largest trades of the NFL offseason. The move immediately reopened a separate conversation that has followed the franchise since 2024, about whether Aaron Donald might still have one more season in him.
Jun 6, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett looks on prior to throwing out the honorary first pitch before a game between the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
The Browns sent Garrett to the Rams in exchange for edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. Garrett set the single-season NFL sack record with 23 sacks in 2025 before requesting a trade. Donald retired from the Rams in March 2024 after a 10-year career that included three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl title.
Garrett addressed the speculation head-on during an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce. Asked about a potential Donald return, Garrett recounted a hypothetical scenario Donald could face, describing what it might look like if his former teammate decided he wanted back in.
“If he looks up and he’s like, ‘Huh, I might need another one,’ and he’s like, ‘MG, you wanna run it?’ Sure, why not?” Garrett said. Garrett emphasized that he is not pressuring Donald, even though he previously mentioned he planned to speak with him soon.
Not everyone is taking the same patient approach. Former Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth said he is texting Donald daily about a comeback. “I’m pressing him full court,” Whitworth said, a stark contrast to Garrett’s more hands-off stance on the matter.
Donald has not made a public statement on his plans, but he has not stayed entirely silent either. He texted Pat McAfee directly, writing, “35, removed two years ago, gotta see if that fire can light back up.” That message followed McAfee discussing the Garrett trade on his show shortly after it was announced.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter went further than most, stating he believes a Donald return is “more likely than not.” Rams head coach Sean McVay has also weighed in, saying if Donald wants to suit up again at 35, he believes Donald could still play at a high level for the team.
Current Status and Rams’ Super Bowl Outlook
Garrett’s arrival already carries a significant cap hit – $23.474 million for the 2026 season. Garrett is entering the second year of a four-year, $160 million extension he originally signed with Cleveland, carrying a $23.474 million cap charge for the Rams in 2026. Any Donald deal would need to be built around that number and the rest of Los Angeles’ defensive spending.
Donald’s final season in 2023 offers a baseline for what a potential return could look like. Donald recorded 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits and five sacks in 2023 as the Rams posted a 5-12 record. He remains in the conditioning shape needed to contribute again, according to multiple people close to the situation.
As of mid-June, ESPN’s Football Power Index lists the Rams as the favorite to win Super Bowl LXI with a 14.9% projected probability. Garrett alone has already pushed those odds higher than before the trade. Donald has not set a deadline for his decision, and the Rams have not commented on what a contract for him might look like.
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