Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald is officially ending his retirement to rejoin the team.
After years of speculation that it might happen, Aaron Donald is officially returning to the Los Angeles Rams. The organization and the three-time Defensive Player of the Year have struck a deal that will end his retirement for the 2026 season.
Per multiple reports, Donald is set to earn a one-year $20 million contract, that could reach up to $30 million with playoff incentives.
Initially, Donald spoke about not having an interest in returning to the football field, but the arrival of Myles Garrett changed everything.
Donald spoke about the arrival of a fellow DPOTY pushing him to consider a return, and the wheels began to be put in motion regarding his undoing his retirement to chase a Super Bowl one more time.
Though Donald fanned the flames of his return with social media posts and comments, it wasn't until he was captured at the Rams' practice facility that the possibility became even more evident. The leaked video from TMZ may have been all the proof needed, as the future Hall of Famer is set to take the field once more.
The Rams legend also began to engage in more drills at the team's practice facility, showcasing that his physicality and speed have not lost a step, despite his having walked away from the game two years ago.
Donald engaged in two official tryouts before the Rams finally announced that he was being re-signed. Now, he joins a defense that already has multiple All-Pro talents.
Donald retired on top, ending his 10-year career with a huge array of accolades, including the aforementioned DPOTY win three times, 10 Pro Bowl nods, eight First-team All-Pro nods, and a Super Bowl victory.
Considering the Rams are favorites to compete for a Super Bowl, and it is being hosted at SoFi Stadium yet again, Donald likely wanted to make one final run to get his second championship in the same manner he did back in 2021.
Donald walked away with 150 starts out of 154 games, 24 forced fumbles, 111 sacks, and 543 total tackles. He can now add to that stat line in a major way on a Los Angeles defense that is already well-built.
What will be interesting is how Chris Shula and the Rams coaching staff plan to use Donald, considering the high-level of talent already on the team. With Garrett in the building and on the line, teams might have a hard time stopping both from getting to the quarterback.
The Rams already have Garrett, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young, making the defensive line and pass rush already potent. With Donald added to that, opposing offenses will have a tough time stopping everything getting through.
