Myles Garrett Analyzes Potential Aaron Donald Return to Rams Defensive Line

Myles Garrett discusses a potential Aaron Donald return to the Rams. The 3-time DPOY retired in March 2024 after 10 seasons and 111 career sacks.

LOS ANGELES — Myles Garrett confirmed on July 29, 2026, that he has engaged in discussions regarding the potential Aaron Donald return to the Los Angeles Rams. Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, officially retired in March 2024 following a decade-long career that included 111 sacks and 176 tackles for loss. The defensive tackle's departure concluded a tenure defined by 10 Pro Bowl selections and eight First-team All-Pro honors. Garrett, who joined the Rams via a June trade, noted that the veteran is currently undergoing a specific physical assessment to gauge his readiness for the upcoming season.

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Head coach Sean McVay initiated contact with Donald during the internal evaluation process that preceded the acquisition of Garrett. This dialogue transitioned into a formal inquiry about the 33-year-old’s interest in rejoining the active roster. McVay described the current phase as a "very strict, regimented process" intended to test how the interior lineman’s body reacts to high-intensity training. On the previous Saturday, Donald monitored his physical response to these protocols to determine if his conditioning meets the requirements for professional competition after two years away from the gridiron.

Garrett emphasized that the primary challenge for any athlete returning from a multi-year hiatus is the transition from individual workouts to the specific tempo of live NFL snaps. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year pointed out that while Donald remains in excellent shape, the difficulty lies in regaining "wind and legs" during the heat of a four-quarter game. The defensive end expressed a desire to collaborate with the future Hall of Famer, referring to him as a potential "partner in crime" who could disrupt offensive schemes from the interior while Garrett attacks the edge.

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During his media availability, Garrett highlighted the intellectual benefits of such a pairing, stating he hopes to "pick his brain" regarding hand-fighting techniques and leverage. The former Cleveland Brown suggested that the learning process would be reciprocal, as both players have combined for six DPOY trophies throughout their respective careers. Despite the excitement surrounding a possible comeback, Garrett maintained that he is not pressuring the veteran, acknowledging that the decision involves significant family considerations and the physical toll of a 17-game schedule.

Donald’s last active season in 2023 saw him record eight sacks and 53 total tackles across 16 starts. His presence on the interior would theoretically alleviate double-teams for Garrett, who led the league in pass-rush win rate during his final season in Cleveland. The Rams' front office has kept a roster spot flexible as they await the final results of Donald's conditioning tests. McVay has not set a definitive deadline for the decision but indicated that the evaluation must conclude before the final week of the preseason to ensure proper integration into the defensive system.

Statistically, the Rams' defense would feature two of the most productive pass rushers of the 21st century if the comeback matures. Donald’s career average of 0.72 sacks per game remains one of the highest marks for an interior lineman in league history. Garrett noted that the prospect of lining up alongside a player with 24 career forced fumbles creates a unique tactical advantage that few teams can replicate. The defensive end concluded that while the 10-season veteran has nothing left to prove, the opportunity to achieve "great things" together remains a compelling narrative for the 2026 campaign.