Aaron Donald Un-Retires, Re-Joins The Los Angeles Rams

In a stunning twist that has shaken the NFL landscape just ahead of the 2026 season kickoff, future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald has officially unretired to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams.

Donald, 35, finalized a blockbuster one-year, $20 million guaranteed contract that can reach up to $30 million through postseason incentives. The announcement comes two years after the three-time Defensive Player of the Year initially walked away from the game in March 2024.

Team sources confirm Donald’s decision was heavily influenced by the Rams’ aggressive offseason acquisitions, most notably the signing of star pass-rusher Myles Garrett. By pairing Donald with Garrett, Los Angeles becomes the first franchise in NFL history to feature two multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year winners on the same roster.

The defense also features newly acquired cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, alongside rising defensive tackle Kobie Turner.

To clear space for Donald on the mandatory 53-man roster, General Manager Les Snead announced Sunday that the team has waived veteran defensive tackle Larrell Murchison.

Donald is expected to practice immediately as the team prepares for its highly anticipated Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.

The Rams lost the NFC Championship Game in January to the eventual Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks, 27–31. The year prior, the Rams lost in the Divisional Playoff round to that year’s Super Bowl winner, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Many fans and analysts believe the re-addition of Donald is likely to enhance the Rams’ already strong potential of making it to the Super Bowl in the upcoming season.