Aaron Donald returns from retirement to sign with the Los Angeles Rams
5 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 8:17 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is returning to the NFL for the 2026 season. The 35-year-old defensive lineman finalized a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams that pays $20 million with incentives potentially reaching $30 million. Donald had been retired since the conclusion of the 2023 season but engaged in multiple workouts with the team throughout training camp this summer. His decision follows the team's acquisition of Myles Garrett, a move Donald cited as a primary factor in his return. Over his 10-year career, the former first-round pick accumulated 111 sacks and earned 10 Pro Bowl selections. He now joins a roster that includes Garrett, Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams as the Rams pursue a title.
- •Aaron Donald signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
- •The 35-year-old defensive tackle previously retired after the 2023 season.
- •Donald worked out with the Rams twice during training camp in August.
- •He joins a defensive front featuring recently acquired Myles Garrett.
- •Donald holds the franchise record for the Rams with 111 career sacks.
- 8:17 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald made his Rams return official with a 4-word announcement
- 8:13 PMCBS NFL — Aaron Donald back: Three-time Defensive Player of the Year returning to Rams for 2026 season
- 8:07 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald unretires, rejoins Rams after Myles Garrett trade
- 8:05 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald officially returns to Rams for one final run to form dream pairing with Myles Garrett
"Aaron Donald, one of the Rams' all-time great difference-making defensive players, is coming out of retirement to help push them to another Super Bowl championship.
"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.
"Donald will join forces this season with fellow former DPOY Myles Garrett
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 8:17 PMAaron Donald made his Rams return official with a 4-word announcement
Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett are officially teaming up.
- CBS NFLAug 30, 2026, 8:13 PMAaron Donald back: Three-time Defensive Player of the Year returning to Rams for 2026 season
Donald will join forces this season with fellow former DPOY Myles Garrett
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 8:07 PMAaron Donald unretires, rejoins Rams after Myles Garrett trade
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, 8:05 PMAaron Donald officially returns to Rams for one final run to form dream pairing with Myles Garrett
Aaron Donald, one of the Rams' all-time great difference-making defensive players, is coming out of retirement to help push them to another Super Bowl championship.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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