Aaron Donald Quickly Denied Idea Of Playing With The Steelers Earlier In His Career

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL world were certainly shocked when it was announced that the Cleveland Browns would be parting ways with Myles Garrett via trade. The Browns decided to deal Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for a pretty good haul that included Jared Verse and multiple high draft picks. This was actually a very good move by Cleveland as it was obvious the team would not be good for some time, and the organization made the best move for its future. The Rams on the other hand became the favorites to win the Super Bowl, and they now have the reigning NFL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

Garrett being sent to the Rams sparked some rumors that former defender Aaron Donald may consider coming out of retirement to rejoin the franchise. He has not publicly ruled out a return, and he was seen working out at the team's facility. Things seem to be trending towards him potentially making a return, but nothing is set in stone. Some fans in Pittsburgh have even convinced themselves that there is a chance he would come to the Steelers as he played his college football in Pittsburgh and grew up in the city as well.

During a recent episode of Bussin' With The Boys, Clay Matthews spoke about his time playing with Donald when they were both with the Rams. He spoke about an instance where he mentioned the Steelers to the future Hall of Famer.

"So I played with him and I thought one thing was interesting in 2019, he was like year seven or eight," Matthews explained. "I'm like, 'You going to go to Pittsburgh when it's all said and done? Like go to the Steelers?' Much like I had went to the Rams after my time with the Packers. He said, 'Nah man, I'm going to play like eight or 10 years and be done.' He called his shot."

Donald played ten seasons, all with the Rams, and then decided to retire two years after winning the Super Bowl. He had a great career, and he could be completely satisfied with himself if he never stepped foot on a football field again. However, the idea of joining the Super Bowl favorites for the 2026 season has to be at least a little bit enticing.

The idea that Donald would consider joining the Steelers for the 2026 season is completely delusional. Pittsburgh has next to no chance to truly compete for a Super Bowl, and there would be no point in Donald playing anywhere that doesn't have a legitimate chance to win some hardware. Los Angeles is the only place that would make sense, mainly due to the idea of teaming up with Garrett.

It is unfortunate that Donald never really considered playing for the Steelers prior to his retirement. When Matthews told the story that occurred in 2019, he made it sound like Donald had no interest in potentially returning to Pittsburgh. The defender didn't retire until four years later, but he had no interest in playing anywhere other than with the Rams. He could have joined some talented defenses alongside TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, and that trio could have been the driving factor in the Steelers potentially winning a playoff game.

Steelers Never Really Had A Chance To Pursue Aaron Donald

Donald never hit free agency during his career, and even if he had, it doesn't sound like he really would have considered coming to Pittsburgh. He signed an extension with the Rams before the 2018 season and then reworked that deal in 2022. He was signed through 2024 when he retired after the 2023 season. 

His rights belonged to the Rams through the 2024 season, but he would not be a free agent if he decided to return to the field. However, most fans know where he would go.

What do you think about Donald's comments back in 2019? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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