Myles Garrett says he expects to speak soon with Aaron Donald after retirement rumors, as the Los Angeles Rams reshaped their defense by trading for the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Los Angeles Rams didn’t just make a splash earlier in the week. They pulled off a blockbuster trade to land Myles Garrett. the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. sending Jared Verse along with a 2027 first-round pick. a 2028 second-round pick. and a 2029 third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns.
For a franchise already built to chase a Super Bowl, Garrett’s arrival immediately raises the temperature around everything—especially any scenario involving Aaron Donald.
Donald retired in 2023 after a 10-year career spent entirely in Los Angeles. The former Ram had won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times. earning the 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year award as well. His production over that span was startling: 543 total tackles. including 340 solo stops; 111.0 sacks; 176 tackles for loss; 24 forced fumbles; and seven fumble recoveries. He also accumulated 10 Pro Bowl selections and eight First-Team All-Pro selections.
Rumors have hovered since Donald stepped away, with people wondering whether he could return to the field. Garrett, for his part, made it clear he hasn’t been in contact with Donald yet—but he’s expecting that to change.
“We haven’t talked yet, but definitely expect to talk soon. I don’t know what his plans are and I won’t pretend to know, but a lot of people are excited and thrilled about the possibility of him coming back,” Garrett said via NBC Sports.
What makes the timing feel electric in Los Angeles is how quickly Garrett’s trade fits into the larger question. If Donald did come back and teamed up with Garrett, the Rams’ Super Bowl odds would only rise—an outcome that would turn those offseason whispers into something far more concrete.
Myles Garrett Aaron Donald Los Angeles Rams Cleveland Browns Jared Verse NFL Defensive Player of the Year Super Bowl odds retirement rumors 2027 first-round pick 2028 second-round pick 2029 third-round pick