Aaron Donald signs one-year contract and returns to Los Angeles Rams
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Aaron Donald ended a two-season retirement on Sunday by signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. The defensive lineman participated in individual drills during his first day back at practice. Donald stated he had been training for the past 14 weeks to prepare for a return to the field and expressed confidence in his physical ability to play at his previous level. His decision followed offseason roster changes, specifically the addition of Myles Garrett, which he noted increased his interest in returning. Sean McVay remained in frequent contact with Donald throughout his time away from the team. The Rams are scheduled to open their season against the 49ers in Australia, though Donald’s availability for that game remains officially unconfirmed.
- •Aaron Donald signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
- •The defensive lineman underwent a 14-week training period before returning to the team.
- •Donald cited the addition of Myles Garrett as a factor in his decision to return.
- •The Rams face the 49ers in Australia for their Week 1 matchup.
- 12:35 PMESPN — Aaron Donald returns: Inside the conversations that sparked his Rams comeback
- 1:22 AMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald: "Do I feel like I can still be myself? 100 percent"
"Donald told reporters after his first practice back with the Rams that he's known for about two weeks that he would be returning to the field in 2026.
"It was a conversation coach Sean McVay never expected to have with the 10-season vet, but three months later, Donald is back in a Rams uniform.
Sources
External links- ESPNSep 1, 2026, 12:35 PMAaron Donald returns: Inside the conversations that sparked his Rams comeback
It was a conversation coach Sean McVay never expected to have with the 10-season vet, but three months later, Donald is back in a Rams uniform.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 1:22 AMAaron Donald: "Do I feel like I can still be myself? 100 percent"
Donald told reporters after his first practice back with the Rams that he's known for about two weeks that he would be returning to the field in 2026.
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