AI Summary
5 min readBest of The Ben Maller Show — June 18, 2026
The episode opens with Myles Garrett walking a tightrope. Asked about the possibility of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to form a super defense with the Rams, Garrett was measured and careful. He said he doesn't want to pressure Donald, respects that Donald retired feeling fulfilled after winning a Super Bowl and multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, but added that if Donald feels the itch for another run, he'd be happy to have him. Garrett also said they haven't talked yet but expect to soon. Ben Maller reads this as a master class in tiptoeing — Garrett doesn't want to be the guy who interrupts Donald's "spiritual journey through the weight room." The 35-year-old Donald is currently testing whether his engine has more high-speed miles left, and he's been flirting with the idea of a comeback since the Garrett trade got him thinking about what a tandem defense could look like.
Vita Vea's hold-in and Todd Bowles's indifference
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What you'll learn
- 1 (03:00) **Myles Garrett on Aaron Donald's Possible Return** - Garrett comments on the possibility of Donald coming out of retirement to join the Rams, choosing his words carefully to avoid pressure.
- 2 (06:50) **Vita Vea's Hold-In and Todd Bowles' Indifference** - Buccaneers DT Vita Vea is absent from mandatory minicamp due to contract unhappiness, but coach Todd Bowles is unconcerned.
- 3 (10:21) **Jets OC Frank Reich's Over-the-Top Praise for Geno Smith** - Reich gushes about Geno Smith's preparation at mandatory minicamp, drawing skepticism from Ben.
- 4 (20:07) **LeBron James and Kevin Love Lakers Reunion Chatter** - Speculation swirls that LeBron will return to the Lakers and that Kevin Love could join him, which Ben dismisses as "engagement farming."
- 5 (24:54) **Knicks Owner James Dolan Refuses to Enter Second Apron** - Despite winning their first title in over 50 years, Dolan publicly states the team will not cross the NBA's punitive second apron threshold.
- 6 (30:35) **Trae Young Opts Out of $49M Player Option** - After a miserable season in Washington, Trae Young declines his option to test free agency, likely forcing the Wizards to overpay.
- 7 (37:07) **Listener Q&A: Steelers QB Room** - Ben discusses Pittsburgh's crowded quarterback room with Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, and two rookies.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Big Ben talks about Myles Garret's comments on a possible Aaron Donald return to the Rams, reports of a potential LeBron James and Kevin Love reunion on the Lakers, Maller to the Third Degree, #AskBen, and more!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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