Aaron Donald has decided to come out of retirement for another chance at winning a championship ring.
The Los Angeles Rams confirmed on Sunday that the standout defensive tackle will be back for the 2026 season, marking the end of a two-and-a-half-year hiatus from football, according to reports from the Associated Press. After extensive discussions and rigorous training at the team’s facility, Donald has signed a one-year contract.
The 35-year-old will make $20 million from this deal, which could increase to $30 million if he meets specific playoff incentives, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Perhaps this financial arrangement reflects the team’s confidence in him.
Donald’s return will see him play alongside Myles Garrett, the current Defensive Player of the Year. They’ve shared five of those awards and have combined for an impressive total of 236.5 sacks throughout their careers, as pointed out by CBS Sports. The pairing has even drawn comparisons to the Rams’ legendary “Fearsome Foursome” from the 1960s.
In an announcement tweet, the NFL confirmed the details of Donald’s one-year, $20 million deal, which includes the potential for additional earnings.
Very few players can claim a career résumé as stellar as Donald’s. He has won three Defensive Player of the Year titles, has been selected to the Pro Bowl ten times, earned eight All-Pro selections, and lifted a Super Bowl trophy before retiring in March 2024, as CNN highlighted. Moreover, he holds the franchise record with 111 sacks.
This comeback story began in June when the Rams made a trade for Garrett, leading Donald to post a workout video on Instagram with the caption “#ready.” After that, things went silent for about two months while speculation surrounding his status grew during training camp.
As the season approaches, the Rams have a strong roster on both offense and defense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who recently won MVP and secured an extension, is back, alongside new cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, acquired from Kansas City. Prior to Donald’s return, the Rams were already favorites in Super Bowl betting.
Donald’s comeback will kick off next month against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, where he will work with a younger supporting cast that includes players like Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske.
