The Los Angeles Rams announced on Sunday that they are bringing back three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald from retirement.
The deal is a one-year contract worth $20 million that could reach $30 million with incentives, per ESPN
BREAKING: Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to play for Rams on a 1-year, $20M deal with playoff incentives up to $30M. (via @adamschefter, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/K0B4YZRo7v
— NFL (@NFL) August 30, 2026
Speculation put to rest
Donald retired after the 2023 season, after playing 10 years with the Rams. The chatter about a possible comeback grew louder when Los Angeles picked up reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in June.
Donald himself said the move made him think about lacing up again, and there were reports throughout the summer of him working out at the team’s facility in Woodland Hills.
His career resumé
Over his career, he amassed 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, made the Pro Bowl every season he played, and collected eight first-team All-Pro selections to add to his three DPOY awards.
He also played a key role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win over the Bengals at SoFi Stadium.
A deep line-up
Donald joins Garrett to give Los Angeles one of the scariest defensive front in football, with Braden Fiske and Byron Young rounding things out.
With reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, top receivers Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and newly acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie, and the Rams are building a roster ready to win the Superbowl
