The NFL is a league of endless hype. But this? This might actually be terrifying. The Los Angeles Rams already pulled off a blockbuster by trading for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Now, they want more. They want the holy grail of defensive lines.
Head coach Sean McVay isn’t hiding his desperation. Or his hope. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, McVay made it clear he would welcome Aaron Donald back with open arms. Donald is 35. He has been sitting on his couch since 2023. Still, McVay thinks the future Hall of Famer has gas left in the tank. “If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet you he could still do it at a pretty high clip,” McVay mused. It sounds like a pipe dream. It might not be.
Donald was spotted back in November 2025, holding court at a Pittsburgh Panthers game. He looked retired. He looked comfortable. Yet, the itch always returns. McVay admitted he kept Donald in the loop about the Garrett trade. Why? To tempt him, obviously. Imagine those two on the same line. It is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. Pure violence.
Don’t expect Donald to suffer through training camp. He is too smart for that. If he returns, he will likely pull a Ndamukong Suh. Show up late. Skip the summer heat. Sign in November and chase a ring. The Philadelphia Eagles proved this formula works back in 2022. Two years away from the game is a long time, though. Can a 35-year-old really dominate after a two-year vacation? In Donald’s case, you don’t bet against him. The Rams are certainly hoping he is bored enough to try.
