Rams want Aaron Donald back, McVay says
Aaron Donald is seriously considering a return to the NFL after hinting at interest in rejoining the Rams, who are eager to reunite him with top defensive end Myles Garrett. A comeback would add a legendary final chapter to Donald’s Hall of Fame career and give the Rams a potential championship boost despite cap constraints.
Aaron Donald is seriously weighing a return to the NFL, texting Yahoo Sports’ Jordan Schultz on Tuesday: “I’m for sure flirting with the idea.” At 35, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year hasn’t played since 2023, but the Rams’ recent blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett—last season’s top defensive end—has reignited his interest. Donald called the chance to chase a Super Bowl in SoFi Stadium “helluva an opportunity,” adding that if he can “find the fire,” a comeback is on the table.
Rams coach Sean McVay didn’t mince words when asked about the possibility of Donald rejoining the team. “If he’s interested,” McVay said during Garrett’s introductory press conference. McVay confirmed he’s spoken with Donald since the Garrett trade, calling their relationship “close” and praising Donald’s respect for the new arrival. “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,” McVay added—hinting that Donald’s talent might still be elite, even in his mid-30s.
The biggest hurdle isn’t Donald’s ability—it’s money. The Rams are already tight against the salary cap, and bringing back a player of Donald’s caliber would require creative maneuvering. But McVay’s tone suggests the team would go to unusual lengths to make it work. “You talk to Aaron, and you see what he’s saying about that,” the coach said, leaving the door wide open for a reunion. For a franchise that thrived during Donald’s dominant run, a second act with him and Garrett lining up opposite each other could be the final piece of a championship puzzle.
If Donald does return, it would be a seismic moment for the NFL—proving even legendary players can defy age when the moment is right. For the Rams, it’s a high-stakes gamble with a potentially massive payoff. For fans, it’s the kind of drama that makes football captivating: a 35-year-old near-myth trying to add one last chapter to an already Hall of Fame career. The Rams’ front office now faces the unenviable task of balancing cap constraints with the chance to reunite one of the league’s all-time greats.
