Ever since Myles Garrett was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL Network and other sports media companies have been wondering if the team might bring back a franchise legend to play with him. Aaron Donald, who retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, is considering a return to the Rams so that he can play alongside Garrett.
It is not often that a player is retired and then comes back years after stepping away from the game. Last year, however, saw quarterback Philip Rivers come out of retirement after five years and start some games for the Indianapolis Colts. Could a similar move be made by Donald?
NFL Network analyst believes Aaron Donald being around the Rams would be a huge deal
While there have not been any reports of Donald re-signing with the Rams, with whom he made 10 Pro Bowls in 10 years during his playing career, he has been spotted in Los Angeles at the team’s facility.
That, in and of itself, is a huge win for the Rams organization, at least according to the NFL Network:
.@AaronDonald97 was spotted at the @RamsNFL facility the other day 👀@DonteWhitner thinks this is a major deal for the team pic.twitter.com/AmlX3Tx0Yv
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) July 13, 2026
“It’s a huge deal. Think about this: the greatest defender of his generation walks into the building. You know what instantly happens?
“Everybody’s standard rises. The front office members to coaching staff and especially to players. Even if Aaron Donald isn’t playing every week; I’ve heard that he’s probably going to play eight games minimum. His presence still matters. The young players can watch how he studies, prepares, communicates, goes about his business. The veterans are reminded what championship level work looks like.
“When Aaron Donald walks in that building, that’s greatness in the flesh. So I think it elevates everyone around you, and does give extreme Super Bowl expectancy.”
Again, there have been no official reports that Donald is coming out of retirement. If he does, he likely will not play a full season as he has not played a game in almost three years.
Based on how analysts are speaking, though, it seems more likely that he will be playing at some point this year.
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