Aaron Donald returns from retirement to sign with Los Angeles Rams
11 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:45 AM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Aaron Donald has officially ended his retirement to sign a new contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The 35-year-old defensive player negotiated a one-year deal worth $20 million, with additional incentives that could bring the total value to $30 million. Donald, an eight-time First-Team All-Pro, had not played since the 2023 season but maintained interest in a return following a trade that brought Myles Garrett to the team this summer. He had been conducting workouts at the Rams' facility to prepare for a potential comeback. In his final season, Donald recorded 53 tackles and eight sacks. He now joins a roster that coach Sean McVay has positioned to compete immediately in the upcoming season.
- •Aaron Donald signed a one-year deal worth $20 million.
- •Contract incentives could increase total earnings to $30 million.
- •Donald registered 53 tackles and eight sacks during his final season in 2023.
- •The defensive player has 111 career sacks.
- •He returns to play under coach Sean McVay.
- 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — Is there chance Aaron Donald plays beyond 2026?
- 12:45 AMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald was historically great. The 2026 version will be different.
- 6:12 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald Reveals Exact Timeline His Decision Was Made Ending Retirement
- 4:07 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald’s return has Los Angeles Rams buzzing as NFL sends major warning
- 1:05 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald returning to LA Rams in 2026 to terrorize NFC West
- 7:25 AMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald gets real on teaming up with Myles Garrett after announcing NFL return
- 4:38 AMYahoo Sports — Rams news: Aaron Donald sounds off on wife's role in stunning NFL comeback
- 1:51 AMAssociated Press — Aaron Donald ends his 2 1/2-year retirement and returns to the Los Angeles Rams - AP News
"For months, Aaron Donald teased his comeback with the Los Angeles Rams after retiring in 2024. Fans incessantly urged him to return, especially after the Rams acquired Myles Garrett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in June. They got their wish. On Sunday, Donald signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Rams. In his announcement, he […] The post Rams news: Aaron Donald sounds off on wife's role in stunning NFL comeback appeared first on ClutchPoints.
"Aaron Donald is back in the NFL after more than two years away from the game. The veteran defensive tackle will return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season after retiring in 2024. He is set to begin another chapter with the franchise where he spent his entire NFL career. Aaron Donald opens […] The post Aaron Donald Reveals Exact Timeline His Decision Was Made Ending Retirement appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
"The Los Angeles Rams have been handed a major boost ahead of their season opener after Aaron Donald returned from retirement, but the NFL has also given the team some breathing room over his comeback. Donald has been granted a two-game roster exemption after officially being reinstated to the Rams’ active roster.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 3, 2026, 4:00 PMIs there chance Aaron Donald plays beyond 2026?
What if Aaron Donald really misses playing football…
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 12:45 AMAaron Donald was historically great. The 2026 version will be different.
Ten straight seasons over elite play followed by two years off. What will Rams get from Aaron Donald in 2026?
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 6:12 PMAaron Donald Reveals Exact Timeline His Decision Was Made Ending Retirement
Aaron Donald is back in the NFL after more than two years away from the game. The veteran defensive tackle will return to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season after retiring in 2024. He is set to begin another chapter with the franchise where he spent his entire NFL career. Aaron Donald opens […] The post Aaron Donald Reveals Exact Timeline His Decision Was Made Ending Retirement appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:07 PMAaron Donald’s return has Los Angeles Rams buzzing as NFL sends major warning
The Los Angeles Rams have been handed a major boost ahead of their season opener after Aaron Donald returned from retirement, but the NFL has also given the team some breathing room over his comeback. Donald has been granted a two-game roster exemption after officially being reinstated to the Rams’ active roster.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 1:05 PMAaron Donald returning to LA Rams in 2026 to terrorize NFC West
After two years off, Aaron Donald is back and joins an absolutely loaded Rams defense.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 7:25 AMAaron Donald gets real on teaming up with Myles Garrett after announcing NFL return
Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald has announced his return to the LA Rams for the 2026-26 season, undoing his 2024 retirement. One of the main reasons Donald even considered returning to the Rams was when the franchise acquired Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:38 AMRams news: Aaron Donald sounds off on wife's role in stunning NFL comeback
For months, Aaron Donald teased his comeback with the Los Angeles Rams after retiring in 2024. Fans incessantly urged him to return, especially after the Rams acquired Myles Garrett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in June. They got their wish. On Sunday, Donald signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Rams. In his announcement, he […] The post Rams news: Aaron Donald sounds off on wife's role in stunning NFL comeback appeared first on ClutchPoints.
- Associated PressAug 31, 2026, 1:51 AMAaron Donald ends his 2 1/2-year retirement and returns to the Los Angeles Rams - AP News
Aaron Donald has returned to the Los Angeles Rams, ending his retirement after 2 1/2 years. The Rams announced the 35-year-old Donald’s decision following several weeks of discussion, preparation and contemplation for the star defensive lineman. Donald became…
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 1:23 AMAaron Donald Breaks Silence on Unprecedented Rams Return After Retirement
Rams got their man back — Aaron Donald, the star defensive end, is back after two years of retirement to form a ridiculous pass rush unit. The post Aaron Donald Breaks Silence on Unprecedented Rams Return After Retirement appeared first on LA Sports Report.
- USA TodayAug 31, 2026, 12:28 AMAaron Donald unretires, rejoins Rams after Myles Garrett trade - USA Today
The Rams won't just be adding Myles Garrett to their defensive line. Aaron Donald is back from a two-year retirement after weeks of speculation.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 10:13 PMAaron Donald ends retirement, returns to Rams after two seasons away
Aaron Donald is coming back. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year ended his two-year retirement and returned to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 8:12 PMAaron Donald Ends Retirement, Signs New Contract With Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams had a heck of an offseason, adding the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year by […]
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