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The Los Angeles Rams’ blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett may have done more than reshape their defense — it may have reopened the door for Aaron Donald.
Rams general manager Les Snead is openly encouraging the idea that the retired franchise icon could consider a comeback, even as he insists the decision must come on Donald’s terms.
“I think Sean [McVay] mentioned [Tuesday,] they’ve definitely communicated, texted, even talked,” Snead said on the “Pat McAfee Show” on Wednesday. “Best strategy is to let him continue working out… let him sleep on it.”
Snead even joked that McAfee should keep tabs on the former Rams star.
“Continue texting Aaron Donald,” he told McAfee with a laugh. “This is probably the time to build that daily text chain with him.”
The speculation rapidly ramped up after the Rams acquired Garrett from Cleveland in a move that immediately reshaped their pass rush.
McVay has also kept the door open, noting that Donald, who is now 35 and has not played a down of football in two and a half years, would still be capable of playing at a high level if the fire for playing football returned.
“I think for the first time, he’s maybe tempted,” Snead told Rich Eisen. “If he doesn’t think he can really, really help, he probably doesn’t want to try.”
Donald retired after the 2023 season following a decorated career that included three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl title.
But recent comments and workout clips along with texts suggesting the Garrett trade “got me thinking” have reignited speculation.
For what it’s worth, Donald’s wife, Erica, weighed in on the possibility of Aaron’s return, posting three words to X
“Y’all are hilarious.”
Still, Snead admitted the storyline is too compelling to ignore.
“It would be a unique story for the Rams, for sure,” he said.
For now, the Rams are letting the idea breathe, but keeping the lines of communication wide open.
English (US)