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Garrett's social media post adds more fuel to Donald comeback rumors
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Myles Garrett's social media post adds more fuel to Aaron Donald comeback rumors

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett sent a not-so-subtle unretirement message to former defensive lineman Aaron Donald on Saturday night. 

While unpacking boxes, Garrett found a signed No. 99 Donald jersey and posted it to his Instagram story. This comes after a report shared that the former Rams star was spotted working out at the team's facility this past Friday.

So, Donald is totally coming back next season? Hold your horses. 

Why Myles Garrett's social media post doesn't guarantee Aaron Donald is coming back 

Some have speculated there is a "growing sense" within the NFL that Donald will return to the Rams next season. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has reported that he has yet to make a "firm decision" on his future.

"It feels like there's potential possibility for him to show up and work, but he's been at the facility off and on really for the last few years working out, I can confirm that," Fowler said Sunday morning on "SportsCenter" (h/t Bleacher Report's Adam Wells). "It does seem like the Rams are at least leaning into that possibility, and the player is, too."

Fowler added he recently spoke with general manager Les Snead, who said Donald's a "principled individual," meaning he's not going to return half-heartedly. It's unclear if that means the future Hall of Famer would join the team during the season after working back into football shape. 

The Rams begin training camp on July 25. Donald returning for that would be ambitious. The D-lineman, who last played in 2023, may need more time to knock off the rust. 

If Donald returns, that makes the Rams an even bigger Super Bowl favorite. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year remained productive in his last season, logging 16 tackles for loss in 16 regular-season games. Garrett, meanwhile, is coming off a career year. He won his second DPOY after setting the NFL record for sacks (23 in 17 games with the Cleveland Browns) in a season in 2025. 

A Donald-Garrett-led defense is a highly intriguing hypothetical, but that's all it is ... for now. Garrett's suggestion that Donald return may make the defensive standout even more tempted to do so.

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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