Sean McVay believes Aaron Donald could still dominate the NFL at 35. The Rams' head coach addressed Donald's potential return rumors following the team's massive trade for defensive end Myles Garrett.

“Listen, if he's interested. Here's what I'll say: You talk to Aaron, and you see what he's saying about that,” McVay said during Myles Garrett’s introductory press conference. 

Even after giving up his cleats, Donald’s word carries weight to McVay. The head coach admitted that he talked to the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year about Garrett’s trade. 

“Aaron's a guy that I stay really close in touch with. And I know the respect that he has for Myles. 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,” he said on June 2.

The Rams have executed a blockbuster trade involving Garrett, and it wasn’t an easy transaction. According to insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams were “persistent” in their pursuit of the reigning DPOTY as the Browns were “adamant” about keeping him. 

The Rams gave up linebacker Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick. 

Verse was a standout defender who made an impact on the Rams from his initial days. He was the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and his absence has left Donald another reason to consider coming back from retirement.

Why Did Aaron Donald Retire From The NFL?

Donald's Hall of Fame-caliber career was defined by consistent dominance. That lasted until he felt he could no longer perform at his peak. Their playoff loss to the Detroit Lions in 2024 was the last push Donald needed to quit.

“I’m complete. I’m full. I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me. I will always love football…I’m just, I’m burned out,” he said about his retirement in a video. 

However, could the successful Myles Garrett trade influence his return? 

On June 2, a day after the Browns and the Rams agreed to terms of the Myles Garrett trade, another major development involving the Rams made itself known. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported a conversation he had with Aaron Donald about a possible comeback.   

“I’m for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility.”

Donald retired from the NFL in 2024 after a ten-year run with the Rams. At the time of his retirement, Donald had a claim to 340 solo tackles, 203 assists, 111 sacks, and seven fumble recoveries. 

“It for sure got me thinking,” Donald said, according to analyst Pat McAfee, over the recent development in the Rams. 

His return would instantly transform the Rams' defensive front into an elite unit. Would you like to see him come back? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar