While it’s bad enough that the Los Angeles Rams swung a trade with the Cleveland Browns to land edge rusher Myles Garrett, it could become twice as bad after Aaron Donald teased a potential return.
According to Pat McAfee, Garrett joining the Rams got Donald thinking about un-retiring to rejoin the Rams.
“It for sure got me thinking… [age] 35, removed two years ago, gotta see if that fire can light back up," said Donald via text according to McAfee.
Donald last played in the NFL during the 2023 season. He left the game arguably at the height of his powers because he was burned out, which was a more than welcome development for the Niners, who had to deal with him playing in the same division for years and years.
He was arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL when he played, and Garrett is arguably the best defensive lineman in football today. The thought of both those guys lining up opposite Brock Purdy next season is enough to make someone sick.
Now, to be clear, this came out because McAfee texted Donald to get his thoughts on Garrett joining Los Angeles. This does not mean for sure Donald is going to come out of retirement, but it would have been much nicer if he had said, “Nope, I am still going to be retired forever!”
Donald is only 35 years old, and he’s obviously an incredible athlete. Even if he’s only 75-percent of the guy he used to be at his peak, that would still mean he’s better than the vast majority of players.
He slowed down a bit his last two seasons, as he had five sacks in 2022 when he only played in 11 games and eight sacks in 2023, but even just having him as a guy who needed to be accounted for would be a nightmare for every team that faced L.A.
The Rams would certainly have interest in a reunion especially after they had to deal Jared Verse in order to get Garrett. He’s a guy who can get after the quarterback, so maybe Donald could make up for a little bit of what they are losing with Verse.
Many 49ers fans already want the team to make some sort of move as an answer to the Garrett trade, whether that’s signing Joey Bosa or trading for Maxx Crosby. Some fans even think the Niners should have swooped in and landed Garrett even though it's tough to see how they could have made a more competitive offer than the Rams. If Los Angeles does indeed bring back Donald, then the 49ers would really have to do something to try to keep pace in a crowded NFC West.
One can only hope Donald chooses to stay retired so the Niners don’t have to face Garrett and Donald two times next season.
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