Aaron Donald Returns to Rams, Latest NFL Rumors on Massive Contract As DT Ends Retirement

Myles Garrett reportedly isn't the only future Hall of Famer joining the Los Angeles Rams defensive line this offseason.

Legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who retired after the 2023 season, is returning to the NFC West team to play alongside Garrett for the 2026 campaign, per ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport.

"I've been working the last 12-13 weeks to train my body and get it to a point where I felt like I could still play the game at a high level and be durable," Donald told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. "I am now ready to come back to try and do something special with this group of guys. We back."

The idea of Donald, 35, coming out of retirement picked up immediate steam after the Rams traded Jared Verse and three draft picks to the Cleveland Browns for Garrett on June 1.

Schultz reported the next day he texted Donald about possibly returning and was told, "I'm for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it's a possibility."

The timing of his workouts and cryptic social-media posting was also notable:

Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters in July, "For those of you guys that do know Aaron, he's very diligent. Anything that he does, he does all-in. And so he's going through a very strict, regimented process that was similar to what he did when he played.

"... We'll see how his body's responding to some of the training and the way that he puts himself through the paces to know what it looks and feels like to be ready to take on what the rigors of an NFL season entail."

Donald even worked out with the team multiple times in August.

Garrett was asked about possibly reaching out to Donald after the trade as well and said (11:03 mark), "Haven't talked yet, but definitely expect to talk soon. I don't know what his plans are and I won't pretend to know. I know a lot of people are excited and thrilled about the idea of him coming back. 

"But just being able to talk to him, learn from him, I'll take all the advice I can. He's a great one for a reason, so just trying to get him in here talking to the guys. Especially the defensive line, that can mean a lot."

Schefter reported in June, "I think, if and when they present a plan to him as to how he would be used, I think it's more likely than not that he'll be back.

"… I've spoken to people on the Rams, 'What do we think?' They're like, 'It's possible.' Tough to come up with the money, not easy to make happen. But when we speak to other teams, they're like, 'They'll find the money. They'll make it happen."

They made it happen.

If Donald is even close to the version of himself before retirement, opposing offensive lines are going to have an almost impossible task of blocking both him and Garrett at the same time when facing the Rams.

Donald's resume includes a Super Bowl title, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Defensive Rookie of the Year, eight First-Team All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowl nods and a spot on the Pro Football Hall Of Fame All-2010s team.

He posted 111 sacks in 10 seasons, 20.5 of which came when he led the league in the category during the 2018 campaign. That was one of six different seasons with double-digit sacks, which is remarkable for a defensive tackle who was consistently double teamed in the middle of the line.

As for Garrett, he is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and just set the NFL's single-season sack record with 23 in 2025. He is coming off eight straight seasons of double-digit sacks and has two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five First-Team All-Pro nods and seven Pro Bowl selections on his list of accomplishments.

Garrett's Record-Breaking Sack 👑

00:53

Garrett was unblockable in Cleveland and figures to be even more dangerous in Los Angeles with opposing offenses also having to account for Donald with double teams in the middle.

It is Super Bowl or bust for the Rams, and they now have two generational talents to anchor their pass rush in the NFC West.