Aaron Donald‘s possible return to the Rams has become one of the NFL’s favorite offseason daydreams.
Between the blockbuster addition of Myles Garrett, a Super Bowl set to be played in Los Angeles, and repeated hints from Donald himself that he’s at least thinking about it, the comeback speculation has only intensified.
But one Rams legend isn’t buying into the fantasy.
Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson delivered a simple message this week when asked what Aaron Donald should do next: stay retired.
Speaking with TMZ Sports at LAX, Dickerson admitted he’d love to see the future Hall of Fame defensive tackle put on the No. 99 jersey one more time. Like most Rams fans, the thought of Donald lining up next to Garrett is difficult to ignore.
Still, Dickerson believes the best move is walking away while nothing is left to prove.
“I’d love to have Aaron back but I think they can win without him,” Dickerson said. “Would I love to have him? Hell yeah.”
The reasoning is straightforward.
Donald retired following the 2023 season as one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, earned eight First-Team All-Pro selections, made the Pro Bowl in every season of his career and capped it all with a Super Bowl championship.
Few players have ever left the game with a resume that complete.
“Stay retired. Enjoy retirement, man,” Dickerson said. “What does he have to prove? He’s got nothing to prove.”
That stance puts Dickerson in a surprisingly small group.
Earlier this week, ESPN insider Adam Schefter said a Donald comeback now feels “more likely than not,” citing growing belief around the league that the Rams’ acquisition of Garrett could be enough to lure him back.
Donald added fuel to the speculation himself after telling Pat McAfee the trade “for sure got me thinking.”
Even former teammate Cooper Kupp jokingly admitted he texted Donald to tell him not to come back.
“I don’t care how old he is,” Kupp said. “Aaron Donald is Aaron Donald.”
That’s exactly what makes this conversation so difficult.
Donald was still playing at an elite level when he retired. If he returned, he would immediately join a defense featuring Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on a team many already view as a Super Bowl contender.
The temptation is obvious.
Dickerson just believes some endings are already perfect.
And Aaron Donald’s might be one of them.