Myles Garrett gave an interview to the Rams’ social media channels, and he said he wanted to discuss future plans with Donald. “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.”

Donald retired in 2023 after a full decade of action in the NFL, all with the Rams. He recently said that the Rams acquiring Garrett made him think about coming back from retirement to join Garrett.

Aaron Donald is still in top shape

Aaron Donald has always been a freak of nature. He was an undersized linemen but that didn’t stop him from wrecking havoc despite getting double or triple coverage. Judging by the lifestyle of the 35-year-old, he is still in incredible shape.

Donald’s last season saw him get eight sacks, 23 QB hits, three passes defended, and got an All-Pro first team selection. He literally retired being the best in his position in the NFL. Now, a fire might have been re-kindled.

Rams’ projected defensive lineup if Donald returns

The Rams already had a top defense. It could get even better with the moves they made this year, and Donald coming back. Also, they managed to keep defensive coordinator Chris Shula, which was a great outcome for them.

• DE: Braden Fiske
• NT: Poona Ford
• DT: Aaron Donald
• LOLB: Byron Young
• LILB: Nate Landman
• RILB: Omar Speights
• ROLB: Myles Garrett
• LCB: Jaylen Watson
• SS: Kam Curl
• FS: Kamren Kinchens
• RCB: Trent McDuffie

Bold: New names for this season.

The possibility has gained momentum following the Rams’ aggressive roster construction. They now boast one of the league’s most talented teams after adding Myles Garrett to a defense that could become dominant, while the offense features stars such as Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, and Puka Nacua.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Donald acknowledged that the idea of returning has crossed his mind when asked about the possibility of joining Garrett on the Rams’ defensive front. “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.'”

Is Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to play for Rams?

Aaron Donald might come out of retirement. The intrigue surrounding a potential comeback grew even further after Pat McAfee also reached out to Donald to ask about the possibility of returning to the NFL. His response sounded remarkably similar to the one reported by Schultz. “It for sure got me thinking. Gotta see if that fire can light back up.”

At 35 years old, Donald has been away from the NFL for two seasons, but he has remained in outstanding physical condition since stepping away from the game. The biggest question does not appear to be whether his body can handle a return, but whether he can rediscover the motivation required to compete at the highest level again.

If Donald ultimately decides to come back, it would instantly become one of the biggest stories of the 2026 NFL season. Pairing one of the greatest defensive players of all time with Garrett on a roster already viewed as a legitimate Super Bowl contender could transform the Rams into one of the most feared teams in football.

The NFL landscape shifted on Monday when news confirmed that the Cleveland Browns and Rams had agreed to terms to send Garrett to Los Angeles. Almost immediately, Donald ignited the internet by hinting at a potential comeback on social media.

The retired future Hall of Famer uploaded a video teasing that he would seriously consider unretiring just to play alongside Garrett. When asked about the clip, McVay openly admitted that a return is not entirely off the table for the organization.

“Here’s what I would tell you guys overall, too: Aaron is a guy that I stay really close in touch with, and I know the respect that he has for Myles,” McVay said. “Talked to him about the opportunity to bring him on board. If Aaron decides he wants to dust ’em off at the age of 35, I bet you he can still do it at a pretty high clip.“

The Rams position themselves as top 2026 contenders

After watching their division rival Seattle Seahawks hoist the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LX, the Rams’ front office wasted no time launching an aggressive offseason arms race. The acquisition of Garrett is a massive statement, but it is far from their only high-profile move.

Los Angeles has poured significant resources into rebuilding their defense from the back out. This offseason, the team pulled off a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie and fortified the secondary further by signing cornerback Jaylen Watson to a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, the offense secured its short- and long-term stability. The Rams handed veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford a new contract extension that runs through 2027. By subsequently selecting quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft, the front office has designed a seamless transition plan, allowing Stafford to serve as a premier mentor before eventually handing the keys over to the rookie.

The ultimate dynamic duo

If Donald decides to lace up his boots once again, it would provide an unprecedented boost to a roster already overflowing with star power. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is reportedly still in phenomenal physical shape; his retirement was driven by a lack of competitive desire rather than physical decline.

The arrival of Garrett might be exactly the catalyst Donald needs to return, giving football fans a chance to see what happens when you pair two of the most destructive defensive forces in modern NFL history on the exact same line.

The detailed production report was shared on X by Daniel Oyefusi. “Expected new Browns DE Jared Verse, who was the 2024 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, has 99 pressures since entering the league in 2024,” the reporter shared. This elite level of consistent performance could the franchise in the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

Oyefusi further emphasized his elite historical standing by comparing his data to Garrett and Micah Parsons. “Only Micah Parsons (119) and Myles Garrett (109) have more over that span, per ESPN Research,” the report detailed, adding that Verse turns 26 in November and is eligible for a contract extension after the 2026 season.

Verse can change things for the Cleveland defense

An examination of his early NFL stats demonstrates exactly why he is viewed as a game-changing asset for his new squad. During his magnificent 2024 debut season, the star edge rusher racked up 66 total tackles and 4.5 sacks on his way to earning Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Last year with the Los Angeles Rams, the dynamic defender took another massive leap forward by recording a career-high 7.5 sacks, 58 tackles, and forcing three fumbles. These stellar campaigns allowed him to be named a Pro Bowler two years in a row, representing his first two and only years in the NFL so far.

The young star could drastically help the Browns build a status of an stronger defensive unit. His high-energy playing style and elite ability to generate quick pressures ensure that the defensive line will continue to dictate the pace of games.

The trade was first reported on X by ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. “Myles Garrett is the rare player who had a no-trade clause in his contract,” the insider wrote regarding the unique contractual landscape. “He is waiving it to be traded to Los Angeles, per sources, and he will keep the same clause in his Rams’ contract.”

In a league where front offices can normally move contracts at a moment’s notice, this specific provision prevents the franchise from shipping him to an undesirable destination without his explicit consent. For a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, it guarantees that he remains the ultimate decision-maker regarding where he plays.

Elite NFL stars who secured no-trade clauses

Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously negotiated a similar safety net during his final extension with the Green Bay Packers to ensure control over his career’s twilight years. Likewise, superstar signal-caller Russell Wilson utilized his contractual veto power with the Seattle Seahawks to dictate his eventual departure to the Denver Broncos.

All-Time great quarterback Tom Brady made sure to include a firm no-trade provision when he signed his historic free-agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Similarly, legendary pass rusher J.J. Watt commanded a identical level of respect and protection during his dominant defensive tenure with the Houston Texans.

Ultimately, these unique contractual protections are reserved strictly for franchise-altering talents who possess immense power at the negotiating table. Teams are notoriously reluctant to surrender this type of roster flexibility, making it a badge of honor for the league’s absolute elite.

After the trade terms of Myles Garrett were undisclosed, the Browns have a lot of new draft capital coming from the Rams. This opened the door on questions over the Browns rumored interest in Brendan Sorsby. HC Todd Monken immediately discarded him.

Monken said the following on that topic, “I don’t think we’re in a position to want to go down that road. That’s my option, not Andrew’s. I like the quarterbacks that we have. I think that’s a slippery slope, when you go down that [path].“

What’s the latest on Brendan Sorsby?

Sorsby’s legal team is seeking an injunction to allow him to play in 2026 while his case proceeds about the bets he placed during his College Football career. Not only that, but he could also declare for the NFL Draft.

Sorsby has stated he is a compulsive gambler and entered a rehab program in April. Now, his legal team is asking for a ruling no later than June 16. However, as Monken said, he already has a lot of quarterbacks who are actually engaged in a QB battle right now.

Browns updated QB depth chart

Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green are the ones that the Browns can rely on right now. Out of those, the fact is only two of them are fighting for the starting spot.

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are the ones that are in the middle of the QB1 battle. Watson is coming off of brutal seasons between offseason shenanigans, heavy injuries, and bad level of play. Shedeur is coming off of a rollercoaster of a rookie deal with more turnovers than touchdowns.

Monken didn’t have a happy demeanor, but he was clear on his words. “I wasn’t assured that [Myles Garrett would stay] when I took the job,” Monken said to 92.3 The Fan. “I was never assured of anything when I took the job, other than once I signed my contract, whatever my contract said — that’s what I was assured.”

The Browns did get a lot as the terms of the blockbuster trade indicate. However, not having Myles Garrett is quite a big blow. The team was trying to base its success around the defense, and Garrett was at the forefront of that.

Jared Verse is a premium replacement

While no one will put Jared Verse on Myles Garrett’s level, the fact is that he is one of the best young edges in the NFL. Garrett is a future Hall of Famer, and Verse is just starting his career with that same goal in sight.

Verse has played two seasons in the NFL. Verse has five forced fumbles and 12 sacks in his career. He’s got plenty of potential at just 25 years old. The Browns can still have a great defense with him instead of Garrett. After all, the Rams did rate Verse very highly.

Monken must not be happy

While he didn’t share much nor did he share much of his emotions, deep inside Monken should be angry. While Verse and the picks are good returns for Myles Garrett, losing a player like that is never a good set of news.

“Bro I really don’t care,” Mike Macdonald firmly stated when asked about Garrett’s arrival to the Rams. Should Sam Darnold be on alert for those matchups? Probably.

The NFC West has now brought in the latest Defensive Player of the Year, who also broke the single-season sack record last year with a total of 23. All eyes should be wide open not only for the Seahawks, but also for the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers.

Still, Seattle has ways to counter Garrett’s talent, as they boast an intriguing offensive line—one of the key reasons they undoubtedly secured their last Super Bowl title.

Seahawks look to put a stop to Garrett

As Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, all eyes will be on how Seattle’s offensive line handles the newly acquired monster on the edge, Myles Garrett.

Ensuring elite pocket protection will be the absolute priority to keep the quarterback upright, a mission that relies heavily on anchor tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, alongside rising guard Grey Zabel. Keeping Darnold clean and stable in the pocket is paramount, especially considering he was sacked 27 times during the 2025 season.

Upcoming matchups between the Rams and Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams will square off twice during the 2026 regular season in crucial NFC West divisional matchups. Their first meeting will take place in Week 16 on Christmas Day at Lumen Field in Seattle, followed by the regular-season finale in Week 18 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

“Nothing is final at this point,” Browns GM Berry admitted, via Mary Kay Cabot on X. “We are in discussions of a potential transaction including [Garrett]. I’ll have a lot more to say once it’s final, if it does become final.

“I will discuss the details at that point. We’re in negotiations and we’re hopeful that we close something here on the next several hours. I’ll have an update maybe as soon as tomorrow when there’s resolution.”

Browns could reverse course

Berry’s statement raises concerns about the potential deal between the Browns and Rams. A blockbuster trade involving an elite pass rusher falling through certainly rings alarm bells for NFL fans after the offseason drama involving Maxx Crosby and his vetoed move to the Baltimore Ravens.

It seems unlikely that injury concerns will be the factor that could derail Garrett’s move to LA, but who knows? Until the trade becomes official, anything can emerge and disrupt the process.

Based on Berry’s message and tone, it certainly appears Cleveland is willing to make a deal work. However, as the Rams and Browns negotiate the terms of the trade, even the slightest disagreement could cause the deal to fall apart.

Coming off record-breaking year

Despite Cleveland’s struggles all year long, Garrett set the NFL record for most sacks on a season in 2025. The star defensive end out of Texas A&M was a force to be reckoned with, and one that no offensive line had answers for. He recorded 23 sacks, breaking the record held by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan at 22.5 sacks.

Needless to say, his potential arrival in the City of Angels would make the sky the limit for the Rams, who would pair the reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford, with the Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett.

Up to this point, reports suggest former Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, a first-round pick in 2027, and more would be headed to The Land. However, as Berry confessed, negotiations are still ongoing. Perhaps Garrett may not be headed to La La Land by the end of the day after all.

As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, and Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, “The Browns are trading Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams for star edge Jared Verse, a 2027 1st-round, a 2028 2nd round, and a 2029 3rd.” A heavy toll but Garrett is a one-of-one player in the NFL.

While not great that they are giving away one of their best young prospects, the Rams know Myles Garrett is a difference-maker in the middle of his prime. The Rams were already seen as a Super Bowl contender, now with Garrett, they are arguably the overwhelming favorites.

Myles Garrett is coming off a historic season

Not only did Garrett win his second Defensive Player of the Year last season, but the 30-year-old just broke the record for the most sacks in a single NFL season with 23 last year. Garrett is a game-wrecker and the Rams know how to win Super Bowls with someone like that. After all, they did it in 2021 with Aaron Donald.

Garrett, just as Donald, are players that produce pressures and sacks at a very high rate. But, they also bring double and triple coverage, allowing teammates to pressure as well. It’s a rare kind of unicorns that appear once every generation.

It’s the second offseason in a row that a star pass-rusher gets traded

Garrett getting traded is surprising but not really shocking. Garrett flirted with the idea of leaving the Browns a couple of times. He stated that he wanted to compete for a Super Bowl. Hence, the Rams took that and went all in for him.

Last season, the Dallas Cowboys did shockingly trade Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. That move that set the Cowboys back years in their rebuild. Still, Parsons is arguably just second to Garrett in terms of the best pass rushers in the NFL, so it was quite a shock to see the trade happen at the time.

“I think it’s really, really cool to, one, be in the room with Matthew, who has done it at a high level for so long, and then see it from a wide receiver standpoint with Davante and Puka,” Simpson said at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.

“And Davante especially, because of him being similar to Matthew, but I think both of those guys are two guys who are one of the greatest at their positions. The fact that I can watch both of them at the same time on my team, it’s a big advantage for me.”

Stafford will enter the 2026 NFL season at 38 years old. While age is often just a number, many see Ty Simpson as the Rams’ quarterback of the future moving forward. He will need to learn as much as possible so that when his moment arrives, he will be ready for the challenge.

Simpson has everything needed to succeed in the NFL

In his final season at Alabama, Ty Simpson delivered an impressive campaign as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, showcasing his readiness for the professional level. He started all 15 games, completing 305 of 473 passes (a 64.5% completion percentage) for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions, while adding two rushing scores on the ground.

Simpson possesses the ideal traits to succeed as an NFL quarterback, blending elite pocket poise with outstanding decision-making. Operating efficiently within a pro-style system, he excelled particularly in play-action schemes and intermediate throws, showing a natural ability to progress through his targets and deliver under pressure.

Furthermore, his exceptional ball security—highlighted by a minuscule 1.1% interception rate—along with his smart pocket mobility, gives him the foundational skill set required to effectively command a modern NFL offense.

Rams’ OTAs are a major test for Simpson

The Los Angeles Rams will hold OTAs from May 27-29 and June 2-5 before beginning training camp later in the summer, giving Ty Simpson the opportunity not only to observe firsthand the leadership and preparation habits of Matthew Stafford, but also to begin taking some snaps alongside stars like Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.