Steelers Fans Get A Direct Answer On Aaron Donald's Potential NFL Return As Homecoming Could Be On The Table

The Pittsburgh Steelers benefitted greatly on Monday as the NFL world saw several massive trades take place. The one that was most notable for fans in Pittsburgh was the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams agreeing on a deal to send star edge rusher Myles Garrett to LA in exchange for Jared Verse and significant draft capital. The trade is going to help the Rams win now, while Cleveland also seemingly made the right move for the future of the franchise. This takes Garrett out of the division for the Steelers, which is a good thing considering the fact that the Steelers are starting a 42-year old at quarterback in 2026.

This was obviously one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history, and it makes things easier for the offenses in the AFC North, although Verse is still a really good player. Garrett however, landing in Los Angeles could have an interesting ripple effect. There has been some noise about defensive tackle Aaron Donald considering a return to the NFL, which would presumably be to play with the Rams so that he could team up with Garrett. This would put two of the most dominant defensive players in history next to each other on the same defensive line.

Donald is from Pittsburgh and he played his college football at Pitt, so Dorin Dickerson noted on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday morning that he thinks there is a chance that he would pick up the phone if the Steelers called. Dickerson asked former NFL general manager Doug Whaley about this, and he completely disagreed.

"Don't think so," Whaley said. "The only reason why, because of his familiarity with the Rams, their system, their head coach, having Myles Garrett next to him, he lives out there, that's where his home is, that's the one helmet he has worn throughout his career. I would love if he would think that way [to come to Pittsburgh], but I don't think he would. I think he wants to wake up, go right down the 405 and have as little disruptions to his life as possible if he is coming out of retirement. To me, it's the Rams or nobody."

Whaley instantly shut down the idea that Donald would entertain returning to Pittsburgh to put on the black and gold, and he is probably right. Donald has a family and has been retired for several years now. If he is going to play again, he likely doesn't want to have to move his family across the country.

Donald retired from football after the 2023 season, but the idea of teaming up with Garrett could make him consider a return. This means he is probably only considering a return if it were to be to play for the Rams, which takes the Steelers off of the table. However, the Rams do not hold Donald's exclusive rights. His contract technically expired after the 2025 season. He would be an unrestricted free agent if he were to return, which means other teams could contact him.

Steelers May Be The Second Team Aaron Donald Would Come Out Of Retirement For

It seems like a no-brainer that if Donald returns to the field, it would be for the Rams. However, the Steelers could definitely finish in second place. There is the obvious factor of Pittsburgh being Donald's hometown, and he has also seemed to build a decent friendship with Cam Heyward. The two appeared on Super Bowl coverage together, and Donald has been a guest on Heyward's podcast a couple of times.

While it is unlikely that Donald comes out of retirement, and it is even more unlikely that he comes out of retirement for anyone other than the Rams, it is fun to imagine him suiting up for Pittsburgh.

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