Aaron Donald unretires, rejoins Rams after Myles Garrett trade - USA Today
NFL star Aaron Donald has announced he is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season. The defensive standout signed a one-year deal following a period of offseason workouts with the team.
Why it matters
Donald's return significantly impacts the Rams' defensive capabilities and Super Bowl aspirations for the upcoming season.
Hear this story The Los Angeles Rams aren't just adding Myles Garrett to their defensive line. They are also getting Aaron Donald back.
Donald is coming out of retirement to play for the Rams, he announced on Instagram. He will play the 2026 sesaon on a one-year, $20 million deal that could be worth as much as $30 million if certain incentives are reached.
Donald last played during the 2023 NFL season, when he racked up 53 tackles, eight sacks and three pass defenses while earning an All-Pro first team nod. The 35-year-old spent his entire 10-season NFL career with the Rams before initially calling it quits.
However, Donald began to show interest in a potential return during the 2026 offseason. He was seen working out at the Rams facility multiple times before eventually committing to return to the Rams.
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