Aaron Donald coming out of retirement, returning to Rams on 1-year deal

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement, as he is signing a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Rams.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the deal is worth $20 million with playoff incentives that can go up to $30 million.

The NFC West continues to be a much tougher division to play in as Donald joins up with All-Pro and new Rams pass rusher Myles Garrett and Pro Bowler Byron Young to potentially form one of the best pass-rushing attacks in the NFL. Los Angeles looks to be a title contender for Super Bowl 61, which will be played at the Rams’ home of SoFi Stadium next February.

The Rams have made several additions on defense prior to the 2026 season, acquiring Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie through trades, while also signing cornerback Jaylen Watson in free agency.

The future NFL Hall of Famer racked up 111 sacks across 10 seasons (2014-23) during his first stint with the Rams. During that time, he was named an 11-time Pro Bowler, eight-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was a Super Bowl champion. He retired from the NFL following the 2023 season.

During that time, Donald was a problem for the Cardinals’ offensive line to contain, as he has racked up 47 tackles and 16 sacks in 20 games against Arizona.

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