The Los Angeles Rams get a major veteran upgrade, Aaron Donald ending his retirement to rejoin the only NFL team he has played for. The 35-year-old defensive tackle signed a one-year deal reported by ESPN at $20m, with the potential to reach $30m through bonuses.
Donald spent 10 seasons with the Rams after being selected with the 13th overall pick in 2014. During that run he compiled a franchise record 111 sacks, earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and was named first-team All-Pro eight times. He also helped the franchise win the Super Bowl at the end of the 2021 season, before announcing his retirement in March 2024 at age 32.
His return arrives as the Rams are already viewed as Super Bowl favorites. The roster now features reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback and Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who Los Angeles acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in June. Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record in 2025, and pairing him with Donald would combine edge and interior pressure for opponents.
Listed at 6ft 1in and 280 lbs when he retired, Donald has long compensated for size with exceptional athleticism and relentless effort. If he can approach the level that made him one of the game’s most disruptive interior defenders, he will strengthen a defensive front already stacked on paper.
The Rams open their season on 10 September against the San Francisco 49ers. A successful campaign would carry the possibility of another Super Bowl appearance, this time at SoFi Stadium, the venue for the team’s February 2022 championship victory.
