Sean McVay sounds off on potential Aaron Donald comeback

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (left) and coach Sean McVay react at news conference at Rams Practice Facility. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rams HC Sean McVay sounds off on a potential Aaron Donald comeback after Myles Garrett trade

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 10:15 PM ET

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Defensive tackle Aaron Donald coming back to join new Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett seems like a pipe dream. That's not stopping Rams head coach Sean McVay from trying to lure him out of retirement.

The Rams held an introductory news conference for Garrett on Tuesday after acquiring him in a stunning trade with the Cleveland Browns on Monday. Donald hinted that the blockbuster move may make him consider returning on Tuesday morning. Count McVay among those who think he should.

Rams HC Sean McVay sounds off on Aaron Donald possibly coming out of retirement

"You talk to Aaron and see what he's saying about that," McVay said when asked about Donald returning. "Here's what I would tell you guys, too. Overall, here's a guy that I stay really close to, stay really in touch with. I know the respect he has for Myles. [Talked] to him about the opportunity to bring him on board. If Aaron wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet you he could still do it at a pretty high clip."

Playing with two-time Defensive Player of the Year Garrett would be enticing for Donald. But he acknowledged rediscovering his competitive juices after two seasons away from the NFL remains a challenge.

Do you think Aaron Donald should come out of retirement to join Myles Garrett in LA? pic.twitter.com/d5xXWyfhgp
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) June 2, 2026

"I'm for sure flirting with the idea," Donald texted longtime insider Jordan Schultz. "Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it's a possibility."

I texted Aaron Donald about coming out of retirement and playing for the Rams, alongside Myles Garrett:

“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.” pic.twitter.com/T94zbgdhgs
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 2, 2026

Donald would need time to knock off the rust if he returned, but the three-time DPOY would be effective. During his last season with the Rams in 2023, the DT logged eight sacks in 16 regular-season games.

Donald won one Super Bowl in 10 seasons with the Rams; he could capture his second ring in a team-up with Garrett, who set the record for sacks in a season (23 in 17 games) in 2025. As of Tuesday night, FanDuel Sportsbook lists L.A. as Super Bowl LXI favorites (+550).

Still, don't bank on Donald returning next season, considering the timetable would be ambitious. Rams training camp is expected to begin in late July.

But that's not stopping McVay from trying to persuade the DT to lace up his cleats again. Who could blame him? A Garrett-Donald-led defense could regularly bulldoze opposing offenses.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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