The Los Angeles Rams' acquisition of Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade has reignited speculation about whether Aaron Donald, who retired in 2022, might unretire to play alongside the future Hall of Famer. Donald himself fueled the rumors by texting NFL insider Jordan Schultz, "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." Meanwhile, Cooper Kupp, now with the Seattle Seahawks, joked about trying to dissuade Donald from returning, telling Rich Eisen, "I already texted him and told him he’s not allowed." Donald’s wife, Erica, posted a three-word rebuttal on X: "Y’all are hilarious," which was met with lighthearted responses.
The Rams' trade for Garrett underscores their commitment to winning another Super Bowl, especially with the game set to be played at SoFi Stadium this season. Kupp, a former teammate of Donald’s, remains friendly with the retired defensive star but expressed confidence that Donald would stay retired. The Rams' front office, led by Les Snead and Sean McVay, has a history of motivating players without overt pressure, which could play a role in any potential return.
Separately, Jared Verse, who was traded from the Rams to the Cleveland Browns, admitted he was initially upset by the move. Verse, who loved his time in Los Angeles, told reporters, "I was upset for a good little bit of time." He praised the Rams' organization, coaches, and teammates, calling the transition difficult. The trade mirrors past moves like the Jared Goff-Matthew Stafford swap, which also involved a shift from a contender to a rebuilding team.