At this point, several NFL teams have already shown interest in signing defensive end J.J. Watt more than a week after parting ways with the Houston Texans and becoming a free agent. While Watt was stunned by how wild free agency can be, it’s no surprise that a player of his caliber has received a lot of suitors, whether it’s teams, players, or legends trying to help their former teams But one team that seems to be a long shot for the longtime Texan is the Los Angeles Rams, who already have Aaron Donald.

The primary reason is that the Rams will be over the league’s projected $180.5 million salary cap when they sign Watt, who is reportedly looking for a sizeable contract. However, the possibility of pairing Watt with defensive tackle Aaron Donald is a tantalizing one and would make the Rams' top-ranked defense even more formidable.

One stat by Pro Football Focus shows exactly how Donald has been dominant over the past five seasons and is enough reason for offenses to fear the prospect of a defensive front having both Watt and Aaron Donald.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks to quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Rams 3 best trade targets to round out 2025 roster
Clayton Kershaw and Matthew Stafford with one of these pictures between them
Rams’ Matthew Stafford supports Clayton Kershaw in first Dodgers start of 2025
Brenda Song, who the Los Angeles Rams had host a 2025 schedule reveal video, with SoFi Stadium background.
Rams enlist Brenda Song for hilarious 2025 schedule reveal

According to Pro Football Focus, the league’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year has had the five highest pass-rush grades in the NFL in the last five seasons. During that time, he has recorded 76.5 sacks, 188 QB hits, and 113 tackles for loss, which is more than any player during that span. Pairing a three-time Defensive Player of the Year like Donald with another three-time Defensive Player of the Year in Watt would give opposing quarterbacks nightmares and generate tons of sacks.

Even though Watt defended his brother TJ’s case in winning the Defensive Player of the Year, it is clear that Aaron Donald is still the best pass rusher in the NFL in the last few years. But even if it will be difficult to pull off, the idea of having two of the best defensive players that the NFL has seen on the same team is an intriguing possibility.