Aaron Donald is “flirting” with an NFL comeback following the Los Angeles Rams’ recent trade for edge rusher Myles Garrett. The 35-year-old former defensive tackle, who has not played since the 2023 season, has sparked intense speculation in Los Angeles about whether he will return to join a defense that is rapidly becoming one of the most formidable in the league.
What does an Aaron Donald return mean for the Rams?
The possibility of Donald returning to the field has shifted the energy within the Rams’ locker room. After the team acquired Myles Garrett, the idea of pairing two of the greatest defensive talents in recent history became a tangible conversation among players.
Safety Quentin Lake expressed the team’s cautious optimism regarding the rumors. Speaking via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times on Monday, Lake noted that when a player of Donald’s caliber seriously considers a return, it changes the outlook for the rest of the roster. “When you have a guy that’s that serious about even considering coming out, it’s like ‘OK, we might have a chance,’” Lake said.
For the coaching staff, the prospect is even more enticing. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula stated he would “love to have him back, with open arms,” highlighting the immediate impact a veteran of Donald’s stature could have on the unit’s leadership and execution.
“To just have two historic, if you will, defensive players on that line together… and to have the rest of us who are trying to build up our reputations, and to build to that level of greatness that they’ve been able to garner, I think that would be cool for L.A.”
— Kobie Turner, Rams defensive lineman
Aaron Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. If he returns to play alongside Myles Garrett, the Rams would feature two players who have both reached the pinnacle of individual defensive honors.
How do Donald and Garrett compare in defensive dominance?
The potential pairing of Donald and Garrett represents a massive concentration of talent. While Donald’s career has been defined by his ability to disrupt the interior, Garrett has established himself as a premier force on the edge.
The statistical weight of this duo is significant. Aaron Donald has secured three Defensive Player of the Year awards during his career. Myles Garrett, meanwhile, has won the award twice, including most recently in 2025. The prospect of these two historic players occupying the same defensive line has reportedly left the rest of the NFL “worried.”
This combination suggests a shift in how teams might approach defensive construction—moving away from depth-heavy rosters toward “super-group” lines featuring multiple Hall of Fame-caliber talents. If Donald decides to “dust ’em off” at age 35, the Rams will be testing a new era of defensive dominance.
The psychological impact on young defensive talent
Beyond the physical stats, a Donald comeback would serve as a masterclass for the younger generation of Rams defenders. Players like Kobie Turner have already identified the value of playing alongside legends. For rising stars, the opportunity to build toward the “level of greatness” established by Donald and Garrett provides a unique developmental blueprint.
As the Rams look toward the upcoming season, the organization remains in a state of anticipation. They are balancing the reality of their recent Garrett acquisition with the “dreaming” possibility of a legendary defensive tackle returning to anchor the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Aaron Donald officially announced his return to the NFL?
No. While he is “flirting” with the idea of a comeback, he has not officially signed or announced a return to the league.
How long has it been since Aaron Donald played in an NFL game?
Donald has not played since the 2023 season, marking his 10th season in the NFL prior to his retirement.
Who is the new edge rusher for the Los Angeles Rams?
The Rams recently acquired Myles Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, in a trade.
What do you think? Could Aaron Donald still dominate at age 35? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more NFL updates!
