Aaron Donald’s decision is still pending, as the Los Angeles Rams don’t expect the three-time Defensive Player of the Year to announce his intentions one way or another anytime soon.
In the meantime, players keep asking about the possibility of adding another game-shattering defensive lineman. Newly acquired cornerback Myles Garrett, whose presence in LA fueled talk of Doland’s return, said he would love to play next to the defensive tackle, but won’t push him one way or the other.
“If he’s here, I’ll be excited to be his teammate, his partner in crime,” Garrett said Wednesday, via the Associated Press. “I think we’re going to do great things. But it’s hard to come back.”
Donald started practice following the blockbuster Garrett trade, but has yet to decide if he’s in any position to return. The Rams have no desire or reason to force the 35-year-old to make a decision.
“I think there’s a lot we can learn from each other,” Garrett said. “I’d love to pick his brain about the kinds of things he does to attack his matchups, and I think the same could be said the other way around. … I’ve told him I’d love to learn from him. I’ve watched his tape. Obviously, I think anybody who’s been rushing anywhere across the line, they have a lot of respect for him. But I don’t want to push him one way or the other.”
Adding Donald to Garrett’s D-line would give the Rams two players who have combined for five of the last nine Defensive Player of the Year awards, with Garrett winning two of the last three.
Garrett admitted that returning after a two-year layoff won’t be as easy as snapping fingers. It takes time, hard work and determination to get back into football shape after so much time off.
“As much as you can try to get back in shape, we’ll get a little taste of that when we come back from the offseason; you’ve got to get the wind and your legs back under you,” Garrett said. “When you get on the court, things are flying around, you have to find a way to get back in shape and slow the game down again. Someone as great as he is, I think he could definitely come back and do that … however many games he chooses to play.”
If anyone could get back into shape and dominate, it’s Donald, whose workout routine is legendary. But it’s not as simple as speaking it into existence. While the story is intriguing early in training camp, LA and Donald can take their time before making a final decision.