The Los Angeles Rams’ blockbuster trade for two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett signaled they’re all-in for 2026. But what if Garrett’s move West included teaming up with a former defensive standout in L.A.?ESPN’s Pat McAfee said on Tuesday’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” that he texted retired Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald after the Garrett trade and inquired about Donald’s thoughts on returning to the game.“It for sure got me thinking,” Donald responded, according to McAfee.Donald, 35, posted a video of himself working out Thursday and included the hashtag “#ready.” After news of the Garrett trade broke, commenters began speculating about how “ready” Donald might be to return to the NFL. (It’s worth noting that Donald has included that hashtag on many other posts, including one about his retirement in 2024.)McAfee said his conversation continued with Donald, and the former Rams star said: “Thirty-five, removed two years ago — got to see if that fire can light back up.”Donald’s wife, Erica, posted Tuesday afternoon on X: “Y’all are hilarious.”Donald played 10 seasons for the Rams. During that time, he was voted to the Pro Bowl 10 times, was an AP All-Pro eight times and won the AP’s Defensive Player of the Year award three times. He anchored the Rams’ move back to Los Angeles from St. Louis in 2016 and made the game-sealing plays in the Rams’ Super Bowl 56 win after the 2021 season.Donald announced his retirement in March 2024. In a YouTube video explaining his decision alongside his wife, Donald said: “I’m complete. I’m full. I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me. I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp, another 17(-game) season, I just don’t have the urge to want to push myself to do that no more. I’m burnt out.”Perhaps two years away from the game reignited that itch. During an interview on Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast last month, Donald was asked how many sacks he’d get if he came back.“I don’t know; I feel pretty good,” he said. “If I get some one-on-ones, I could sniff some double digits. I still got it.”The Rams sent star pass rusher Jared Verse and a trio of picks to the Cleveland Browns in the trade for the 30-year-old Garrett. Cleveland selected Garrett, a defensive end, with the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, and Garrett set an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks in 2025.During Los Angeles’ run to the NFC Championship Game last season, one glaring hole was the lack of star-caliber play on defense. Garrett’s acquisition helps fill that need, and the Rams also traded for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie in March.Jun 2, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms