Aaron Donald has said repeatedly that he’s happily retired and has no urge to play football again, but things may have changed on Monday. The Los Angeles Rams traded for Myles Garrett, bringing the two-time Defensive Player of the Year to Southern California in an attempt to push for another Super Bowl.
Immediately, everyone speculated about the possibility of Donald coming out of retirement to join Garrett on the Rams, which seemed like a pipe dream – until a notable ex-teammate said something fascinating.
On the “Locked On Rams” podcast, Michael Brockers teased the idea that Donald is at least considering a return after Los Angeles acquired Garrett from Cleveland.
“I would say that I do have some information that might be considered as some knowledge that others might not have,” Brockers said. “But I’m not going to tell it all … but I will say this: My guy is staying ready so he doesn’t have to get ready. I’m going to leave the audience with that so we can get more viewers on the later show this week. I’ll be discussing if some of that is real.”
Brockers and Donald were like brothers with the Rams, spending seven years together as teammates from 2014-2020. If anyone knows what Donald is up to, it’s Brockers. And based on his comments, it sounds like Donald could be making a decision soon.
“I wouldn’t play. I wouldn’t play. I wouldn’t play,” Brockers said, ensuring his co-hosts that he’s not joking around.
Donald last played in 2023 before retiring in the 2024 offseason after an illustrious 10-year career in the NFL. His contract ran for another two years, which allowed the Rams to maintain his rights if he ever were to come out of retirement.
But now that his contract has expired, Donald would be coming back to the NFL as an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign a completely new deal with the Rams. Los Angeles is in fine shape financially, but it’s conceivable that Donald could even take a hometown discount to chase another ring with Garrett, Byron Young and the rest of the team.
Last offseason, Donald posted on Instagram that if the Rams got Micah Parsons (before he was traded to the Packers), it might’ve made him come out of retirement. Would he not consider the same to play with a future Hall of Famer like Garrett?
One thing’s for sure: Donald always stays in shape and would have no issue getting ready for the start of another season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Michael Brockers hints at Aaron Donald returning to Rams after Myles Garrett trade
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
