Aaron Donald thought he had walked away for good. Now, two and a half years after leaving the NFL, the legendary defensive tackle is back with the Los Angeles Rams and ready to make life miserable for quarterbacks once again.
The Rams confirmed Donald’s return on Sunday after weeks of talks and almost two months of workouts at the club’s facility. He has signed a one-year deal, with ESPN reporting that it is worth at least $20 million and includes heavy incentives.
Donald retired in March 2024 after 10 seasons with the franchise in St Louis and Los Angeles. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that includes three Defensive Player of the Year awards, 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight All-Pro honours and a Super Bowl ring.
His return was sparked by one major move. The Rams’ decision to trade for Myles Garrett created the possibility of one of the most frightening defensive pairings in the league.
Garrett has won two of the last three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Together, he and Donald have five of the last nine awards, giving Los Angeles two proven game-changers who can wreck an offence from the inside and outside.
Donald finished his first Rams chapter with 111 sacks, a franchise record and the second-highest total in NFL history for a player who operated mainly inside. His ability to draw double teams also created openings for teammates, a skill that could again prove vital alongside Garrett.
The Rams were already Super Bowl favourites before Donald returned. Matthew Stafford leads an offence that ranked first in the league, while the defence has added Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.
Now Donald has another target. He will delay his Hall of Fame clock to chase a second ring with a young defensive group that includes Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske.
