Los Angeles Rams

We know with certainty that Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald will both wear a gold jacket in Canton one day. 

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For Donald, his choice is whether to wear it in 2029 or delay his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction an additional three years to play alongside Garrett with the Rams.

Like everyone else, Garrett is still awaiting Donald’s decision — but he’s already excited about the possibility of playing next to one of the game’s all-time great defensive players.

Here’s what Garrett said about Donald’s potential return and more to know about the decision.

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Myles Garrett opens up about potential Aaron Donald pairing

As his first training camp with the Rams got underway, Garrett told reporters Wednesday that he’s «excited» to potentially play alongside Donald.

«I don’t want to push him in one way or another. If he’s here, I’m going to be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime,» Garrett said. «And I think we can do great things, but it’s a difficult thing coming back, and I know he has a family. He has a lot of decisions to make.»

New Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett talks about the possibility of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to play alongside him with the Rams, what he’s told him, how he could help him, and what the most difficult part about it is. #Rams #NFL #mylesgarrett… pic.twitter.com/LJXgq3tZsE

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 30, 2026

Garrett said he knows just from taking time away from the field in the offseason how difficult it can be to get back in game shape. Donald hasn’t played since 2023. 

«As great as he is, I think he can definitely come back and do it,» Garrett said. «It’s just whether he wants to do that for however many games he chooses to play.»

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year envisions himself and Donald learning from each other if the return comes to fruition.

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«I’d love to pick his brain on the kind of things he does to attack his matchups,» Garrett said. «And I think the same could be said vice versa.»

If Donald does return, the Rams will have a combined five Defensive Player of the Year awards in the face of quarterbacks this season.

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Rams defense projection with Aaron Donald

Here’s what the Rams’ defense could look like with Donald back in the mix:

Poona Ford is the most expendable projected starter on the Rams’ defensive line, though Braden Fiske might be the most comparable style of player to Donald, which would give the Rams the tough decision of putting one of the two in a reserve role. 

Fiske was drafted to be the direct Donald replacement in 2024 and has had some pass-rush success, but Kobie Turner’s presence has made the Rams transition away from Donald with ease. Turner has 24 sacks across three seasons in L.A., notching at least seven sacks in each of his three seasons.

If Donald returns, the Rams will have added two multi-time Defensive Player of the Year winners and two starting cornerbacks to a team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

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Will Aaron Donald unretire?

Donald is still going through the decision-making process, coach Sean McVay told reporters at training camp, revealing that the former All-Pro has a «very strict, regimented process» he needs to work through.

It’s unclear what Donald’s timeline for a decision might be, but the Rams open the season in Australia against the 49ers on Sept. 10.

The Rams and Donald would also need to work out a revised contract if he returns, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes, as he would be due more than $30 million, which is likely an unpalatable number for the team.

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