Cam Heyward reveals what he would do in Aaron Donald's shoes

Cam Heyward knows better than most what it takes for an aging defensive lineman to keep answering the bell, which is why his take on Aaron Donald’s possible reaction to Myles Garrett joining the Los Angeles Rams should interest Pittsburgh Steelers fans.

During an appearance on the “Not Just Football” podcast, Jon Gruden asked Heyward what he’d do in Donald’s shoes. Donald has been retired for three years, but the chance to return to a loaded Rams front was enough to make Heyward consider the temptation.

“So what, he’s been done three years, right?” Heyward said. “That’s the only thing I wonder is how’s the body feeling after three years? If it’s feeling good, let me jump right back in. Give me 30 snaps and keep moving.”

That answer sounds like a veteran defensive tackle weighing an opportunity against the punishment of another NFL season. Heyward didn’t focus on Donald proving anything but on whether his body could handle a limited role that would let him chase quarterbacks without carrying a full workload.

The 30-snap suggestion is interesting as Donald wouldn’t need to return as an every-down anchor like his prime days. With Garrett and the rest of Los Angeles’ defensive line drawing attention, he could be deployed in high-leverage situations and stay fresh for third downs and late-game drives.

Heyward, 37, knows it would be all about how the future Hall of Famer feels physically.

“If the body’s leaking a little bit, I don’t know if I go back because they got a lot of good D-line in there,” Heyward said. “But they’re not Aaron Donald, I’ll say that.”

Heyward also knows a veteran defensive lineman doesn’t need every snap to control a game. If Donald’s body can handle another run, 30 well-timed snaps beside Garrett could be enough to wreck protections, create opportunities for teammates and make Los Angeles’ defensive front one of the league’s toughest assignments.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Cam Heyward reveals what he would do in Aaron Donald's shoes