Everything Aaron Donald Said About Signing Rams Contract for NFL Return, Myles Garrett, More

Aaron Donald is back with the Los Angeles Rams after signing a one-year, $20 million deal on Sunday.

Donald took to the podium on Sunday evening to offer some insight into his decision, and he pointed to the successful offseason the Rams had, which included a trade for Myles Garrett.

"Seeing what was being done with this team… the pieces that were brought here," he told reporters.

Donald likely wouldn't have returned if he didn't feel the Rams had a chance to make it to the Super Bowl, and the fact that the game will be played in Los Angeles made a comeback even more enticing.

"Super Bowl being back at SoFi kind of excites you, too," he told reporters.

Donald also clarified that he wouldn't have returned if his wife hadn't wanted him to.

"If the wife wasn't happy it wasn't gonna get done," he said. "My wife was on board and she was with me 100%."

It's been a while since Donald played in an NFL game, but he hasn't let himself get out of shape. He's also been working towards a return for most of the summer.

According to ESPN's Sarah Barshop, once Los Angeles traded for Garrett, Donald began putting himself through a "very strict, regimented process that was similar to what he did when he played," so he should be prepared to make an impact immediately.

That said, head coach Sean McVay hasn't made a decision about whether Donald will be on the field for the team's season opener against the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday.

Donald also got a two-game roster exemption from commissioner Rodger Goodell, so he won't count towards the 53-man roster until Sept. 11.

In his last NFL season in 2023, Donald recorded 53 tackles and eight sacks, still a very productive player. If he is able to have that kind of success after three years away, the Rams' defense is going to be one for the ages.

But even if Donald isn't the player he once was, Los Angeles still has arguably the best defensive front with Garrett leading the way. Combine that with a tremendous offense, and Donald's first season back in Los Angeles could end with a Super Bowl victory.