Aaron Donald 'flirting with the idea' of Rams return to join Myles Garrett

Could legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald be coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams?

Less than 24 hours after the Myles Garrett trade, head coach Sean McVay, a former teammate and Donald himself have all weighed in on the possibility.

Here's what's been said so far.

How the Donald comeback rumours started

Former LA defensive lineman Michael Brockers got the ball rolling when he appeared on the Rams Squad Show podcast on Monday, suggesting that he "might have some information" on the subject.

He was tight-lipped about the details, but did reveal that Donald has been keeping himself in shape, "staying ready, so he doesn't have to get ready."

ESPN's Pat McAfee reported on The Pat McAfee Show that he texted Donald directly about his possible return, and that Donald texted back: "It for sure got me thinking."

NFL insider Jordan Schultz also joined in, reporting that the draw of Super Bowl LXI being played at the Rams' SoFi Stadium might be the tipping point.

Sean McVay on Donald: 'I bet he can still do it'

McVay was asked about the idea of Donald's return at Garrett's introductory press conference on Tuesday.

"If Aaron decides he wants to dust 'em off at the age of 35, I bet you he can still do it at a pretty high clip," he said.

What a Donald return would mean

Donald stepped away in 2024, last appearing in the Rams' playoff loss at Detroit on January 14, 2024.

He was so dominant during his playing career that even if he has lost a step since last playing, he would surely still be a disruptive force.

Between his rookie season in 2014 and his final year, he amassed 111 sacks, went to 10 Pro Bowls, took home three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and won a Super Bowl.

Even in his final campaign, he recorded eight sacks, 53 tackles, and generated 84 total pressures - ranking first among all defensive tackles.

If Donald decides not to come back, the Rams' defensive front is already formidable with Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Poona Ford on the interior, and Garrett, Byron Young, and Josaiah Stewart on the edge.

But if Donald returns and is anywhere near his previous best, it could be one of the best defensive lines in recent memory.